Heartburn is increasingly becoming a common complaint among youngsters, especially students and working professionals who stay away from home and who frequently consume outside and junk food. Irregular eating patterns, skipping meals, and overeating later in the day are also contributing to the growing problem.
Speaking about the issue, Dr. Bhuvaneshwaran, Director of PSG Hospitals, shared important insights on the causes and risks associated with heartburn.
“You should keep in mind that there are two major reasons for heartburn. One is reflux oesophagitis, where the burning sensation occurs due to acid from the stomach rising into the food pipe. The other possible reason is a heart-related problem, where we need to be very cautious,” he explained.
Dr. Bhuvaneshwaran noted that while heartburn has become very common, not all cases are related to heart disease. One of the primary causes is the frequent consumption of spicy and heavy masala foods. Another reason is irregular eating habits, such as skipping meals and remaining on an empty stomach for long hours.
He further pointed out that heartburn occurring early in the morning, especially if it wakes a person from sleep, may sometimes have a link to heart problems. Similarly, if heartburn develops during physical activity or work, or occurs even without consuming spicy food, it should not be ignored.
“If these symptoms continue, patients should consult both a gastroenterologist and a cardiologist for proper evaluation,” he advised.
According to the doctor, heartburn caused by food-related issues can usually be treated effectively with medication and lifestyle changes and does not pose a serious threat to life. However, if the burning sensation is due to a heart condition, it can lead to serious complications.
He emphasised that people should not ignore persistent symptoms or hesitate to seek medical attention for problems related to the food pipe or chest discomfort.
