Indigestion (heartburn and reflux)
Indigestion (heartburn and reflux)
About indigestion
Once food is chewed and swallowed, it is pushed by muscular waves down the oesophagus and through a sphincter (or muscle ring) into the stomach.
Sometimes, even in healthy individuals, the contents of the stomach squeeze up through the sphincter and back into the oesophagus. This is called ‘reflux’ (also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, indigestion or heartburn) and feels like a burning sensation behind the breastbone.
Causes of heartburn
Occasional heartburn can be caused by:
eating a large meal
eating a large meal and then doing some kind of physical activity, like lifting or bending
too much
coffee
or
alcohol
anxiety
, which can make the stomach ‘churn’
advanced
pregnancy
, when the womb pushes up against the stomach.
Treatment for heartburn
The oesophagus uses muscular contractions (called ‘peristalsis’) to squeeze swallowed food down into the stomach. However, food inside the stomach is only kept there by the force of gravity, so don’t lie down after a big meal.
Usually, taking an antacid and waiting is all the treatment needed for heartburn in healthy people.
Heartburn in overweight people
Persistent heartburn can be caused by
obesity
. The extra fat inside the
abdominal
wall reduces the amount of room for the stomach and small intestines.
Any extra pressure on the stomach, such as stooping, forces the stomach contents up into the oesophagus. Weight loss may reduce the symptoms.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Frequent heartburn (also called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) can also be caused by:
hiatus hernia
– part of the stomach is pushed up through the diaphragm and stays there
dietary factors – dietary
fats
, chocolate, alcohol and coffee may provoke heartburn because of their effect on the sphincter
cigarettes
–
giving up smoking
reduces the frequency of symptoms.
Complications of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Chronic (ongoing) exposure of the oesophagus to gastric juices can lead to:
oesophagitis – inflammation of the oesophagus
ulceration
– with
bleeding
, scarring and stricture (narrowing) of the oesophagus
Barrett’s oesophagus
– a premalignant condition of the lower lining of the oesophagus. Barrett’s oesophagus is a risk factor for cancer of the lower oesophagus. If you have experienced long-term reflux (for five years or more), talk to your
doctor
about testing for Barret’s oesophagus.
Reducing your risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
You can reduce your risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease by:
losing weight
, if necessary
trying not to increase abdominal pressure through bending or lifting
raising the head of your bed to avoid reflux while
sleeping
making dietary changes
giving up smoking.
Talk to your GP (doctor) about which strategies may work best for you.
Where to get help
Your
GP (doctor)
Your
pharmacist
External Link
Need treatment today?
Need treatment today, but it’s not life-threatening and you can’t get a GP appointment, there are services available:
Urgent Care Clinics
– provide care for conditions that require treatment today but not an emergency response (extended hours)
Nurse-on-Call
Tel.
1300 60 60 24
– for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
Emergency care
In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
Emergency department of your nearest hospital