Ask a Texas Heart Institute Doctor
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Question:
What should I do about my heart burn?
I have had major heart burn lately and I have acid reflux and IBS, but Prilosec does not seem to help, nor do antacids. My heart burn has been chronic. I don’t know if I should try a different medication or see a doctor. Also I have a chronic sore throat and I read on Webmd that this is not a good sign. I had an endoscopy a couple years ago and supposedly everything was fine. What do you think I should do?
submitted by Kristen from Fresno, California on 2/2/2012
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Domingo G. Gonzalez, Jr., MD 
Heart burn can be caused by acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. It can be severe or mild. Treatment includes antacids, H2 blockers, Proton Pump inhibitors, and/or fundoplication, as well as changes in diet and sleeping habits. Upper endoscopy can hint at reflux if esophageal irritation or stricture is found. However, the diagnosis is made with an overnight esophageal litmus test that measures the acidity in the esophagus over a period of time.
Angina from coronary artery disease can mimic heart burn. Evaluation of the heart for cardiovascular etiology should be part of the evaluation, if appropriate. Coughing and subsequent sore throat is commonly caused by acid reflux. IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) does not cause heart burn; it causes waking time diarrhea and bloating. Chronic acid reflux can cause Barrett's esophagus and esophageal stricture. You should see your doctor and be evaluated for GI, cardiac and other sources of heart burn type symptoms.
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Updated February 2012
