He or she may recommend a one-time scope examination to make sure there are no signs of the condition. If at least two of these conditions apply - you are Caucasian, have abdominal obesity, are a former or current smoker - you may have a higher risk for Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition that can lead to esophageal cancer.Įven if you are feeling fine, you should see your doctor. Gabbard recommends using a body pillow or sleep-positioning device that helps keep you on your left side with your head elevated.įinally, he has a warning for men over 50 who have chronic heartburn. If your heartburn is worse at night, changing your sleeping position may help. Dr. Or your doctor may suggest a proton pump inhibitor such as Prilosec OTC® or Nexium® to help control your GERD. Your doctor may help you lose weight or adjust your medications.Ī change in blood pressure medicine may help reduce your heartburn symptoms, for instance. “Most are small and do not cause problems, but the larger ones put you at risk for heartburn.” What can you do about your heartburn?Ī good rule of thumb is to seek medical attention if you have more than two episodes of heartburn a week - especially if you notice difficulty swallowing, weight loss or anemia, Dr. “Sixty percent of people over 60 have a hiatal hernia,” Dr. With age often comes a hiatal hernia, where the upper part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity. “Being overweight and taking certain medications may be the major driving factors for heartburn.” “Some blood pressure and antidepressant medications can cause heartburn. Gabbard says.Īs you age, your health problems increase and so does your need for medication. And, for reasons that aren’t entirely clear, the risk and severity of GERD is higher for those who are overweight, Dr. Many older adults carry extra weight that can weaken the sphincter further. But as you age, it can weaken and stop functioning properly. It typically remains tightly closed except when you swallow food. And that includes one critical to fending off heartburn - the lower esophageal sphincter.įood passes down your throat and through your esophagus to your stomach. This sphincter controls the opening between the esophagus and the stomach. There are four common reasons for increased heartburn. What makes your heartburn worsen over time?
“Studies show that one-fourth of people over age 75 take medication for heartburn,” he says. And it can eventually lead to more serious health problems, Dr. It may occur after you eat, when you bend over or exercise, or when you are lying down.ĭoctors diagnose heartburn that occurs more than twice a week as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
“There is not any clear age where things take a nosedive, but as we age, heartburn becomes more of a problem,” says gastroenterologist Scott Gabbard, MD.ĭespite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with your heart.
But, as you get older, it can become a more frequent irritant. It’s common for adults to have occasional heartburn. Policyīut over the years, does it seem like that burning sensation keeps moving up your chest (oh no, heartburn again?) Why is that becoming a thing? We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
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