Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsTreatmentPreventionWhen to See a ProviderFAQs
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Treatment
Prevention
When to See a Provider
FAQs
This article discusses the causes and treatment options for persistent heartburn.
PixelsEffect / Getty Images
Possible Causes
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) can cause constant heartburn that occurs more than twice a week over a period of several weeks.
The main symptom is heartburn (pain or burning in the chest), but you may also experience:
How Common Is GERD?GERD is very common in the United States, affecting approximately 20% of the population.You are more likely to have GERD if you are pregnant, a smoker, taking certain medications, or have obesity.
How Common Is GERD?
GERD is very common in the United States, affecting approximately 20% of the population.You are more likely to have GERD if you are pregnant, a smoker, taking certain medications, or have obesity.
Gastrointestinal Disease
There are several gastrointestinal diseases that can cause constant or recurrent heartburn. These include:
Esophagitis
Esophagitisis a broad term that refers to any inflammation of the esophagus. Symptoms include:
Eosinophilic esophagitisis a type of esophagitis in which an excess number of white blood cells, calledeosinophils, are present in the tissue of the esophagus. It is thought to be related to allergies.
Additional Symptoms
Depending on the underlying cause of your constant heartburn, additional symptoms can often include generalized indigestion, such as bloating and stomach pain.
If stomach acid is coming up your esophagusat nightwhile you are lying down, you maywake upwith a sore throat, bad breath, or hoarseness.
Why Do I Have Heartburn?
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
It is helpful for some individuals who have constant heartburn to avoid certain foods that may trigger their symptoms.
Foods that are associated with heartburn include:
It may be helpful to eat smaller meals throughout the day rather than infrequent large meals.
If you suffer from acid reflux, it may be helpful to elevate your upper body at night while sleeping.
Medications
There are several different medications that can be used totreat heartburn. Some only treat immediate symptoms, but others can actually heal damaged tissue in the esophagus.
Don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions about any of these medications.
Surgery
Surgery is usually reserved for individuals whose symptoms cannot be controlled with medications or lifestyle changes.
ANissen fundoplicationis a procedure in which the upper part of the stomach, called the fundus, is wrapped around the lower part of the esophagus. This serves to reinforce the lower portion of the esophagus and prevents food from coming back up through the esophageal sphincter.
Another procedure that may be used is a LINX device implantation. A LINX device uses magnets to keep the lower esophageal sphincter closed the majority of the time but still allows it to open so that food can pass through to the stomach.
Heartburn Prevention
The following tips can help topreventor minimize symptoms of heartburn:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
You should see a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and for proper treatment if:
Untreated acid disorders can lead to complications, includingBarrett’s esophagus(damage to the lining of the esophagus),esophageal cancer, or scarring or narrowing of the esophagus.
You should seek care immediately if you vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds (this could be blood). You should also seek care immediately if you notice blood in your stools or have black or tar-like stools (this also might be blood).
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Summary
Constant heartburn can be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as GERD, esophagitis, or other gastrointestinal disorders. If you experience frequent heartburn or heartburn more than once a week for several weeks, consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
A Word From Verywell
Heartburn is a common and uncomfortable condition. Fortunately, symptoms can be greatly improved with adequate diagnosis and treatment. Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you experience constant heartburn.
Frequently Asked QuestionsExperiencing heartburn more than once a week over a period of several weeks may indicate an underlying condition.Water may dilute stomach acid, but drinking water is unlikely to provide adequate relief of severe heartburn. However, drinking enough water aids digestion and may help to prevent digestive problems such as heartburn from developing. Hydration is also important for overall health.Oatmeal, sweet potatoes, bananas, green vegetables, carrots, bananas, watermelon, nuts, herbal tea, milk and ginger can also help with heartburn.This depends on a number of factors, including any underlying conditions or treatments that are used. However, it is not uncommon for heartburn to last a couple hours or more after eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Experiencing heartburn more than once a week over a period of several weeks may indicate an underlying condition.
Water may dilute stomach acid, but drinking water is unlikely to provide adequate relief of severe heartburn. However, drinking enough water aids digestion and may help to prevent digestive problems such as heartburn from developing. Hydration is also important for overall health.
Oatmeal, sweet potatoes, bananas, green vegetables, carrots, bananas, watermelon, nuts, herbal tea, milk and ginger can also help with heartburn.
This depends on a number of factors, including any underlying conditions or treatments that are used. However, it is not uncommon for heartburn to last a couple hours or more after eating.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of Utah Health.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).MedlinePlus.Peptic ulcer.Mount Sinai.Hiatal hernia.MedlinePlus.Eosinophilic esophagitis.American Heart Association.Warning signs of a heart attack.Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of Utah Health.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).MedlinePlus.Peptic ulcer.Mount Sinai.Hiatal hernia.MedlinePlus.Eosinophilic esophagitis.American Heart Association.Warning signs of a heart attack.Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
University of Utah Health.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).MedlinePlus.Peptic ulcer.Mount Sinai.Hiatal hernia.MedlinePlus.Eosinophilic esophagitis.American Heart Association.Warning signs of a heart attack.Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).
University of Utah Health.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
MedlinePlus.Peptic ulcer.
Mount Sinai.Hiatal hernia.
MedlinePlus.Eosinophilic esophagitis.
American Heart Association.Warning signs of a heart attack.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
