The five signs heartburn could be serious - and when it's a medical emergency
Heartburn is something that affects millions of Brits everyday and is usually treatable with non prescription medication - but sometimes the signs can be more serious than you may think.
The condition is sparked by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux). If it keeps happening, it may be called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). This is where stomach acid manages to seep through into the oesophagus, where it irritates.
It is usually harmless and will disappear within a few hours, causing nothing more than a brief painful sensation. But sometimes, heartburn can be indicative of something far more serious, such as a heart attack or cancer, and will require investigations by a health professional or doctor.
Here are five serious conditions that severe heartburn could mean and the warning signs of how to spot a more serious condition.
Heartburn is sparked by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (Getty Images)Cancer
Heartburn may be a serious sign of cancer - or more specifically, cancer of the larynx and oesophagus. When stomach acid flows back to the oesophagus, it can cause tissue damage that can lead to the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
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And bariatric surgeon at Nordbariatric Clinic, Linas Venclauska, says that despite heartburn not being directly life-threatening, it can significantly impair a person’s quality of life. He told The Sun “If not treated, it may lead to Barrett’s oesophagus, a precancerous disease affecting the lining of the oesophagus.
Peptic Ulcer disease
An ulcer is the term used to describe a break in the lining of any part of the body. This can occur most visibly in the skin, but many people will suffer from mouth ulcers affecting their tongue or gums. But peptic ulcer disease is when the digestive tract eats away at the inner surface of the stomach or small intestine.
People often mistake the condition for heartburn as the symptoms are similar. But a major symptom of peptic ulcer disease is heartburn itself, alongside other symptoms including vomiting, nausea, burning pain and discoloured stools due to bleeding.
Heart attack
Heart attacks can often be mistaken fgor heartburn,. which can sometimes have fatal consequences. According to Harvard Health, both conditions can be difficult to differentiate from as they both cause chest pains.
But the NHS says the best course of advice is seek to urgent help if you're not sure what you are experiencing. The most common symptoms of heart trouble include pain, a rapid heartbeat, tightness, clammy skin and nausea.
Symptoms of heartburn include a burning chest pain, pain that's worse when you lie down, a bitter foul taste in your mouth and pain moving to your throat after a large or spicy meal.
Symptoms of heartburn include a burning chest pain, and a bitter taste on your mouth (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Hiatus hernia
According to the NHS, a hiatus hernia is "when part of your stomach moves up into your chest. It's very common if you're over 50. It does not normally need treatment if it's not causing you problems". The condition is usually detected during tests to determine the case of chest pain or heartburn.
If the hernia is not too severe, it doesn't require treatment. But if it is being accompanied by regular heartburn, then it might need to be dealt with through an operation or medication.
Hernias left untreated, persistent heartburn can cause long-term damage to the oesophagus, which can increase the risk of oesophageal cancer.
Lung problems
Potentially damaging lung conditions and respiratory issues can be caused by stomach acid getting into your lungs, according to the Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio. The buildup of acid can cause irritation or inflammation of the vocal cords or a sore throat, which could trigger harmless things like coughing, congestion and hoarseness, it says on their website.
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However, if the acid is inhaled into the lungs, it can lead to more serious conditions like asthma, laryngitis, pneumonia or wheezing. With any of these conditions, you're advised to contact a doctor.
The serious signs that mean you need to see a doctor:
- Your heartburn won’t go away.
- Your heartburn symptoms become more severe or frequent.
- Difficulty or pain swallowing.
- Vomiting caused by heartburn.
- Experiencing unexpected weight loss.
- Relying on over-the-counter antacids for more than two weeks.
- Suffering heartburn symptoms even after taking prescription medicines.
- Experiencing serious hoarseness or wheezing
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