Is It Just Overindulgence Or Is It Something More Serious?

WASHINGTON, DC -- (INTERNET WIRE) Millions of Americans are gearing up for the holidays, including the inevitable overeating of traditional holiday foods. Putting on a few pounds after this feasting is to be expected—and more and more, so is the occasional heartburn many suffer.

Sixty million Americans experience heartburn regularly. Since large meals can contribute to reflux  acid backing up into the esophagus, which causes heartburn - the number of sufferers may increase with the arrival of Thanksgiving and continue right through the start of the New Year.

"The holidays are a common time for people to experience mild to severe heartburn," says Dr. Phillip Schoenfeld, Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine. "This is due to the amounts and types of food in which people are indulging. For many, over-the-counter remedies may relieve their symptoms, but when people are experiencing heartburn two or more times a week, it could be something more serious than simple heartburn. At this point, they should see their doctor to get treatment that can relieve symptoms and avoid potentially serious problems from long-term, unresolved heartburn."

Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, has become one of the most diagnosed gastrointestinal diseases in America.

GERD occurs when the muscle valve at the lower end of the esophagus (i.e., the "food-pipe" connecting your mouth to your stomach) malfunctions, allowing a backward flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Without effective treatment, GERD can cause serious complications such as severe chest pain, esophageal stricture (a narrowing or obstruction of the esophagus), bleeding, Barrett’s esophagus (a pre-cancerous condition of the esophagus) and even extra-esophageal manifestations such as asthma and chronic cough.

"The types of food people are eating during the holidays especially lead to heartburn," says Dr. Schoenfeld. "Foods that have a high fat content, including pumpkin pie, dressings, chocolate, peppermint and other various desserts, as well as alcohol are being consumed in larger quantities, which may lead to pain and discomfort, particularly at night. Also, people tend to eat larger quantities of food, which may also lead to heartburn."

To help reduce the chances of experiencing holiday heartburn, Dr. Schoenfeld advises that people reduce the quantity of food eaten before bedtime and that people should try to eat high fat foods in moderation.

Dr. Schoenfeld also reminds people that it is important for those who are suffering from heartburn two or more times a week to see their doctor.

(From Internetwire.com)