2006-07-14 09:45:12 · 4 answers · asked by Annie 3 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Yes over a period of time heartburn can be harmful. Most people get it sometimes but if you experience it frequently it could be GERD and you should see a Dr.
2006-07-14 09:47:42 · answer #1 · answered by purple rain 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heartburn is not harmful, its just indigestion. However if you develop acid reflux (severe heartburn). This acid can tear up your esophagus actually causing ulcerations. This sensitive tissue is not meant to withstand the acidic content of the stomach. GERD is gastroesophageal reflux disease. You may be able to prevent these symptoms by making lifestyle changes such as losing weight, not smoking, not using alcohol, and avoiding certain foods that cause GERD symptoms, such as chocolate, peppermint- and spearmint-flavored foods, carbonated drinks, and possibly spicy, fatty, or fried foods. Coffee and alcohol relax the valve between the esophagus and stomach allowing acid to back up into your esophagus. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Having a very full stomach increases the likelihood that the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) will relax and allow stomach juices to back up (reflux) into your esophagus. Do not eat for 2 to 3 hours before exercise or before bedtime. Use chewing gum or hard candies to increase the amount of saliva your mouth produces. Saliva washes stomach juices out of the esophagus into the stomach and can neutralize stomach acid. Avoid acidic foods, such as orange juice and tomatoes. If you have an irritated esophagus (esophagitis), these foods can make it worse.
2006-07-14 09:57:56 · answer #2 · answered by scgleason74 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes the acids in heartburn can cause errosion in throat and cause tumors and polyps that leaqd to cancer. Also talk to your Dr. about getting on prevacid its relativly safe and effective for the acid reflux disease and Gerd. You will thank your Dr. for prevacid takes a couple days to start working but its awesome when you experince the relief of not haviung acid in your mouth when you lay down at night and that burning in your guts after a meal. Hope this helps you friend
2006-07-14 10:02:47 · answer #3 · answered by alphashadow2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heartburns could be many things.
It could be an indicator of heart problems, acid reflux disease, esophageal cancer a hiatial hernia.
It could be as simple as not eating properly (eating too much too fast of food that no longer agrees with you.)
2006-07-14 09:58:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋