Heartburn is an uncomfortable but manageable condition that causes burning pain in the chest and throat. It happens when the muscle between the stomach and esophagus relaxes too much, letting stomach acid drift upward. Occasional heartburn is common and usually resolves with over-the-counter medication. But if you get heartburn frequently and it’s affecting your quality of life, it may be time to seek medical help.
Ongoing heartburn symptoms are strongly associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Whether or not you’re on a weight-loss journey, recurring heartburn can be treated. At Southern Nevada Bariatrics, Dr. Mustafa Ahmed can help you find both short-term and long-term relief.
Less common symptoms include persistent cough and hoarseness, chronic sore throat, and difficulty swallowing.
Everyone gets indigestion now and again. But if your heartburn keeps coming back, you should arrange an appointment. See Dr. Ahmed in the following circumstances:
Note: severe chest pain and trouble breathing may signal a heart attack. Seek emergency care immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Reflux and heartburn symptoms can sometimes get worse following weight-loss surgery, such as a sleeve gastrectomy or the placement of a lap band. This may indicate something needs attention or that dietary guidance isn’t being followed. If you’ve had bariatric surgery and your symptoms have worsened, Dr. Ahmed can help.
Dr. Ahmed will review your medical history and the frequency of your symptoms, and ask about your diet and lifestyle. Depending on your case, evaluation may include esophageal pH monitoring, endoscopy, or manometry. Based on his findings, he’ll create a treatment plan to manage your symptoms and get you feeling comfortable again.
“Ceci and Dr Ahmed are amazing! Dr Ahmed explained the pros and cons of the surgery very thoroughly. He’s a no nonsense doctor which I can appreciate. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and encourages better health. I’m so happy I choose them. Best decision I’ve made.”
If you only get occasional heartburn and it goes away quickly, you probably don’t have GERD. But if you get heartburn twice or more a week, you should see a doctor for an evaluation.
Chronic heartburn can be a sign of GERD, which can cause more serious issues like esophageal tearing and scarring without professional treatment.
