Heartburn and Reflux

What causes heartburn and acid reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter—a ring of muscle that normally keeps stomach contents from rising—relaxes or weakens at the wrong time. The result is irritation of the esophageal lining, which can cause symptoms like regurgitation, sore throat, and a sour taste in the mouth. While occasional reflux is common and often harmless, frequent episodes may indicate a more serious condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Heartburn, on the other hand, is a symptom of acid reflux. It’s characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, often after eating or when lying down. This discomfort arises because the stomach acid irritates the sensitive lining of the esophagus. Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart—it’s purely a digestive issue. People may confuse heartburn with other conditions like indigestion or even heart attacks, so persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Fortunately, acid reflux and heartburn are highly manageable conditions, and a wide range of treatment options can bring lasting relief. From simple lifestyle changes—like adjusting your diet or sleep habits—to over-the-counter remedies and prescription medications, many people find effective solutions tailored to their needs. With the right approach and support from healthcare professionals, it’s entirely possible to regain comfort and enjoy life without the constant burn.

What causes heartburn

Heartburn can have many causes, from lifestyle choices to a dysfunctional digestive system. Risk factors for developing heartburn include:

• Smoking
• Being overweight or obese
• Hiatal hernia
• Pregnancy
• Certain medications
• Diet

Foods that cause heartburn can include:

• Fried food
• Fast food
• Pizza
• Potato chips and other processed snacks
• Chili powder and pepper
• Fatty meats, such as bacon and sausage
• Cheese

When to seek care for heartburn

When over-the-counter medications (such as antacids or indigestion medicine) aren’t working, it may be time to seek treatment. You may also want to see a doctor if you:

• Don’t want to keep taking medication to control heartburn
• Have persistent or chronic heartburn that doesn’t go away
• Have a chronic cough
• Experience regurgitation, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, acid reflux, or a bitter or sour taste

At Hillcrest South, we provide the below procedures to care for heartburn and acid reflux:

LINX procedure for reflux control

Experience the revolutionary LINX procedure at Hillcrest South. The LINX System is a small, flexible band of magnets enclosed in titanium beads laparoscopically implanted around the weak valve of the esophagus, just above the stomach. The LINX system is uniquely designed to keep stomach acid from entering the esophagus, thereby significantly reducing acid reflux symptoms and improving quality of life.

The procedure takes about an hour, and patients are placed under general anesthesia. Because the LINX system does not require any stomach alteration, most patients are eating after surgery and go home the same day.

BARRX procedure for Barrett’s esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus is a precancerous condition affecting the lining of the esophagus, the swallowing tube that carries foods and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. Barrett’s esophagus develops from GERD. In some patients with GERD, the normal esophagus cells are damaged and over time become intestinal tissue. Our Heartburn & Reflux Center offers two treatments for Barrett’s Esophagus: endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and Barrx radiofrequency esophageal ablation (RFA). 

At Hillcrest South, we also offer the BARRX procedure, a minimally invasive treatment targeting Barrett’s Esophagus, a condition often arising from chronic acid reflux. BARRX utilizes radiofrequency ablation to safely and effectively remove precancerous tissue, providing a crucial step in heartburn treatment and prevention.

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