Heartburn is a common condition experienced by many people in Singapore, often after eating a heavy or spicy meal. While occasional heartburn is usually nothing to worry about, persistent or severe heartburn could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Understanding the differences and knowing when to seek medical advice is crucial for your health. Let’s take a look at some signs that your heartburn could be something more serious.
Understanding Acid Reflux and Heartburn
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation behind the chest wall. This is a symptom of acid reflux, a condition where the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes inappropriately, allowing stomach acid to escape. Occasional acid reflux is common, but frequent episodes may indicate a more severe problem.
What Is Acid Reflux and How to Manage It
Acid reflux is a condition that can often be managed with the right combination of lifestyle adjustments and medical treatments. Before you begin your search for specialists who can diagnose and treat acid reflux in Singapore, knowing what triggers the symptoms and how to avoid these triggers is crucial. For example, keeping a food diary can help identify foods that worsen your symptoms. Regular exercise, stress management, and quitting smoking are also beneficial for managing acid reflux symptoms.
Symptoms That Warrant Medical Attention
Here are some warning signs that your heartburn might be something more serious:
- Frequent Heartburn: Experiencing heartburn multiple times a week could be a sign of GERD, which can lead to inflammation, ulcers, or damage to the oesophagus. GERD may also increase the risk of developing Barrett's oesophagus, a condition linked to oesophagal cancer.
- Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Persistent heartburn accompanied by difficulty swallowing can indicate that stomach acid has caused a narrowing of the oesophagus, known as oesophagal stricture. This condition makes it difficult for food to pass smoothly and is often a sign of GERD.
- Chronic Cough or Hoarseness: Stomach acid that reaches the throat can irritate the vocal cords, leading to chronic cough or hoarseness. If your heartburn is accompanied by these respiratory symptoms, it could be a sign that acid reflux is affecting areas beyond the oesophagus, and will require relevant acid reflux treatment.
- Chest Pain: Heartburn-related chest pain can mimic heart conditions, leading to confusion. If you experience chest pain that spreads to your arms, neck, or jaw, or if it’s accompanied by shortness of breath or dizziness, seek emergency medical attention. While this could be heartburn, it could also be a sign of a heart attack.
- Regurgitation: When stomach contents or bile rise back into the oesophagus, causing a sour taste in the mouth, this is called regurgitation. Frequent regurgitation is a warning sign for GERD and can lead to tooth erosion and bad breath due to acid exposure.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without changes to diet or exercise could indicate an issue with the digestive system, such as a severe case of GERD or even oesophageal cancer. Weight loss might occur if swallowing difficulties make it hard to eat enough calories or if persistent regurgitation reduces appetite.
- Persistent Nausea or Vomiting: While nausea can accompany heartburn occasionally, frequent nausea or vomiting, especially if it happens without an apparent cause, could be an indication of GERD.
Complications of Untreated GERD
Untreated cases of GERD can lead to several complications, some of which are life-threatening:
- Barrett’s Oesophagus: This condition occurs when the tissue lining the oesophagus is replaced with tissue similar to the intestinal lining, often due to repeated exposure to stomach acid. Barrett’s oesophagus increases the risk of developing oesophageal cancer. It doesn’t cause specific symptoms, so it’s often discovered through screening in patients with long-term GERD.
- Oesophageal Ulcers: These are open sores in the oesophagus caused by chronic acid reflux. Oesophageal ulcers can result in bleeding, pain, and difficulty swallowing. Prompt GERD is necessary to prevent further complications.
- Oesophageal Cancer: Long-term damage to the oesophagus from acid reflux can increase the risk of oesophagal cancer. Though relatively rare, it is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and chest pain.
Seeking Specialised Care From a Gastroenterologist in Singapore
If you are experiencing frequent heartburn or any of the above symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation. At Alpha Digestive & Liver Centre, our experienced gastroenterologist (medical doctor specialising in digestive disorders) may recommend diagnostic tests such as pH monitoring, barium swallow, or a gastroscopy in Singapore to assess the severity of your condition. Lifestyle changes and medications may be required to manage GERD symptoms effectively and prevent further damage.
Some lifestyle modifications to reduce heartburn include:
- Dietary Adjustments: Avoid foods that trigger heartburn, such as spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol. Eating smaller meals and avoiding late-night meals can also help.
- Weight Management: Obesity is a risk factor for GERD. Losing weight can relieve pressure on the stomach and reduce acid reflux.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking weakens the lower oesophageal sphincter, making it easier for acid to back up into the oesophagus. Quitting smoking can improve heartburn symptoms.
- Elevating the Head While Sleeping: Raising the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches can help keep stomach acid from flowing back into the oesophagus while you sleep.
Summary
While heartburn may seem like a minor inconvenience, persistent or severe symptoms can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Understanding the warning signs of GERD, oesophageal strictures (abnormal narrowing of the oesophagus), or even cancer can help you take action early and prevent complications. If you’re unsure whether your heartburn is a cause for concern, consulting a doctor is always the best course of action. Don’t wait until symptoms become severe—early detection and treatment are key to maintaining digestive health.
For a tailored assessment and an accurate diagnosis of your heartburn condition, book an appointment with Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr Benjamin Yip here.
