Everyone experiences heartburn occasionally. You pop an antacid, think twice about eating spicy food, and move on with your life. No big deal. But when heartburn becomes a constant, daily battle, it’s time to change your ways.

Usually, heartburn can be controlled through lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medication. But sometimes it’s not enough.

What happens when we get heartburn?

When you swallow food or drink, the sphincter at the bottom of your esophagus opens to allow the food into your stomach and then closes. If the valve weakens or opens at the wrong time, stomach acid can flow into the esophagus. This causes heartburn. Your symptoms may be worse if you are lying down or bent over.

Other causes of heartburn

Sometimes our lifestyle can increase our chances of getting heartburn:

• Certain foods like carbonated beverages, mint, tomato sauce, onions, caffeine, chocolate, spicy foods and fatty foods
• Alcohol
• Lying down right after you eat
• Large meals
• Cigarette smoking

When to talk to your doctor

If you have more than the occasional experience with heartburn, you should see your doctor. If you get heartburn more than three times in a week, if your heartburns comes back as soon as your medication wears off, or if your heartburn wakes you up at night, it’s time to make an appointment. Other signs you should see your doctor:

• Your heartburn has lasted for at least four years
• You are using more than the recommended dosage of over-the-counter medication
• You have been using OTC medications for a long time
• You can’t relive your symptoms

Always remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to chest pain. Chest pain could be a sign of something worse.

What does it mean if I have chronic heartburn?

Chronic heartburn can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a serious conditions that can irritate and inflame your esophagus, narrow the esophagus.

If you have GERD, you will need stronger medication than OTC. There are natural treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Relieve episodic heartburn safely and naturally.

Sources:
http://mayoclinic.com/health/heartburn-gerd/DS00095
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/treneutralizatment-tips-severe-chronic-heartburn