Heartburn is a treatable digestive condition that causes a painful burning sensation in the chest and throat. It occurs when stomach acid regurgitates into the esophagus, irritating the lining and causing discomfort. Heartburn symptoms can be frustrating because they can significantly impact your quality of life, making it difficult to enjoy meals or sleep comfortably.
It can also be challenging to identify the specific triggers, leading to ongoing discomfort and frustration. Fortunately, with the help of Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates, you can get back to enjoying your favorite foods and activities without the pain and discomfort of heartburn in Suffolk County or Patchogue, NY.
What’s Causing My Heartburn?
Heartburn results from eating trigger foods such as spicy or acidic fares, consuming large meals, or drinking alcohol. Additionally, lifestyle habits such as smoking, being overweight, or wearing tight-fitting clothing can contribute to symptoms of chest inflammation and discomfort. Medical conditions such as hernias, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and peptic ulcers can cause heartburn.
Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and calcium channel blockers, can worsen symptoms. In some cases, heartburn could result from an underlying condition. Consult our doctor if you experience heartburn more than twice a week, have difficulty swallowing, or feel chest pain.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Heartburn
Our Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates diagnose heartburn by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. They may also order tests such as an upper endoscopy or a pH monitoring study to assess the severity of your heartburn and rule out other conditions potentially causing similar symptoms.
Treatment may include lifestyle modifications such as avoiding trigger foods, losing weight, and elevating the head of the bed while sleeping. You may also benefit from over-the-counter antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Please explore our website to learn more about the conditions we treat and the services provided. For more information about heartburn in Suffolk County or Patchogue, NY, or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, call (631) 289-0300.