People who suffer from heartburn frequently, might even be suffering from chronic heartburn. That's right chronic heartburn! Unfortunately this is not a condition that can be cured easily with the use of over-the-counter drugs like antacids.
For chronic heartburn sufferers, there are a few simple ways to improve your lifestyle to alleviate the pain. Eating smaller quantities at meal times, avoiding acidic foods and beverages, and also avoiding alcohol and smoking, can to a certain extent alleviate your heartburn. Another problem that sufferers of chronic heartburn often experience is that they wake frequently in the night with their chests on fire. You can lessen these problems by eating at least 3 hours before you go to sleep and also by elevating your head a bit when you lie down to get some sleep.
GERD - a common disorder
In fact if you suffer from chronic heartburn, you're probably suffering from Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD as it is more commonly known. If not treated properly, then GERD can lead to more serious problems. Esophageal cancer being one of the more serious cases that can occur. Therefore it is in your own interest that you go to a docotor if you have reflux problems.
Most people tend never to go to their doctors with their chronic heartburn, and live with this condition for years. On theone hand this can lead to a worsening of their GERD symtoms or even to a complication which is called 'Barrett's Esophagus'. In this condition the esophagus walls line themselves with new cells similar to those found in the intestines. This in turn leads the chronic heartburn sufferer open to a condition called 'Adenocarcinoma'. In other words, Esophageal cancer.
Misdiagnosis by doctors
If you decide to go to the doctor be aware that the condition known as chronic hearburn is often subject to misdiagnosis. Although 40 million Americans alone suffer from heartburn, it is one of the most frequently misdiagnosed conditions, and it' is quite easy to see why.
Doctors can easily miss heartburn as the correct diagnosis, and frequently do. Often heart attack is a common diagnosis. Actually it is easy to see why really. The chest pain, the burning sensation just behind your breastbone, shortness of breath, blurry vision, all these can be symptoms of either a heart attack or heartburn.
For GERD patients, the diagnosis is somewhat simpler. With the help of a simple endoscopic exam a doctor can find out if what you are suffering from is really GERD. At this procedure a small camera is threaded to the end of a tube and passed down your throat. It is probably the easiest solution to diagnosing whether you suffer from chronic heartburn, GERD, or mild heartburn.
Therefore if you are suffering from heartburn and you experience heartburn attacks more than twice a week you should see a doctor as your condition might be classified a chronic heartburn. Then you need to be aware that GERD might be the underlying condition, and not mild indigestion, or heartburn as you might think. Possible complications can only be avoided if you immediately go and see a doctor if you are suspecitng that you do have GERD. Remember it's always better to be safe than sorry.