Persons using self-treatment to combat chronic heartburn may be masking the symptoms of other problems. For most symptoms to be deemed chronic, it would have to occur more than three times a week for a period of two or three weeks. With chronic heartburn, if the person's diet or other aspects of their lifestyle have not changed, it could be a sign of other medical problems.

Typically, heartburn is caused by the contents in the stomach being pushed back into the esophagus, causing the acid in the stomach to irritate its sensitive lining. There can be many causes of this including gastrointestinal reflux disease, a hiatal hernia or a blockage in the stomach. When a person suffers from chronic heartburn it is advisable to check with a doctor to rule out any of the major problems.

Usually, when a person suffers from heartburn, which is not uncommon if dietary habits on inconsistent or they eat or drink something that high in acidic content. In these cases and over the counter medication will usually quell the burning sensation and it will disappear once the substance has been processed. If it continues for several days during a week or two, chronic heartburn can be treated with prescription medications.

Extinguishing The Fire In The Belly

Those suffering from chronic heartburn are also at risk for developing ulcers in the esophagus as well as in the stomach. Many times, it is the result of the stomach being fooled into thinking more acid is needed to help with the digestive process. For many, they believe that drinking milk can calm an acid stomach when in reality milk may actually trigger the stomach's acid pumps to produce more due to the added content in the stomach.

Any suffering from chronic heartburn will need to change a part of their lifestyle to help eliminate the problem. If it is determined the heartburn is being caused by prescription medication, the doctor may alter the dosage of the medication or change to another type if one is available. The patient may also be prescribed anti-acid medication until the offending medication is better accepted by the person and the side effects disappear.

Acid indigestion, as it is often called, can be an extremely uncomfortable feeling. It can also offer similar symptoms of a heart attack and should never be ignored. When a person is suffering from chronic heartburn, getting help from a doctor or other medical professional is recommended to prevent additional damage to the esophagus or to learn if it is hiding another, potentially dangerous, condition.