Heartburn: A​ Symptom Masking Serious ‌Health Issues

Frequent heartburn? Don’t ⁢dismiss it as a‌ minor inconvenience. According to dr.⁤ Hossam Mowafy, ‌a professor of critical care at Kasr Al-aini Faculty of Medicine, persistent heartburn could be a warning sign of several notable health problems.​ In a recent interview, Dr. Mowafy emphasized the importance of seeking professional medical attention if heartburn becomes a recurring issue.

“Heartburn is a symptom, not a disease,” Dr.⁤ Mowafy stated during his program, ‌“My Lord, Increase My Knowledge,” broadcast on Sada⁢ El Balad channel.‌ He stressed the⁤ critical need for consultation with a physician when experiencing persistent heartburn.“You should stop taking antacids when you feel them,and consult a ​doctor to determine the exact cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment,” he advised.

Dr. Mowafy cautioned against complacency, explaining that acidity can be an indicator of various conditions. ⁢ He ​listed hiatal ‌hernia, stomach bacteria, cholecystitis, and esophageal reflux as potential underlying causes. Surprisingly, he also⁤ noted that heartburn ‌can‍ sometimes signal‌ a more serious condition like angina pectoris, a symptom of heart disease.

The implications of ignoring persistent heartburn extend beyond simple discomfort. Untreated conditions like hiatal hernia, for example, can lead to more severe complications⁤ if left unaddressed.Similarly, untreated⁤ stomach⁢ bacteria can cause long-term digestive problems. ​ Early diagnosis and⁢ treatment are crucial⁤ for managing these conditions effectively.

While over-the-counter antacids provide temporary ‍relief, Dr. Mowafy’s warning underscores the importance of understanding the root cause of heartburn. ⁤ Self-treating⁣ can mask serious​ underlying issues, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment.The message is clear: persistent heartburn requires a visit to the doctor for a ​proper evaluation and personalized⁢ treatment plan.

For more facts on ‍related health concerns, you may find the following resources helpful: article ‌1 ⁢ and Article ⁣2.

Heartburn: When to Worry⁢ About‍ Frequent “Acid Reflux”

Persistent heartburn, ofen dismissed as simple‌ indigestion, can actually be a red flag for more serious health issues. In a recent interview⁣ with ⁣Dr. ⁢ Sarah Chen, a ⁤leading gastroenterologist at​ NYU Langone Health, we delve into the potential causes behind frequent heartburn and discuss why seeking professional diagnosis is crucial.



Senior Editor: dr. Chen, thank you for taking ⁣the time to speak with us today. Many peopel experience heartburn from time to time, but ‍when does it become a cause for ​concern?



Dr. Chen: It’s true, occasional heartburn⁣ is very common, ​often triggered by things like spicy foods or large⁢ meals. However, if you’re experiencing heartburn‌ more than twice a week, or if it’s severe and disruptive to your daily life, it’s time to see your doctor.



Senior Editor: What are some of the​ underlying ​medical conditions that‍ can cause persistent​ heartburn?



Dr.Chen: Persistent ⁢heartburn can be a symptom‍ of several ⁤conditions, including hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach pushes up into the chest. It can also be caused by stomach bacteria, inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), or gastroesophageal reflux ​disease (GERD).



Senior Editor: ‍That’s‍ quite a range!



Dr. Chen: ​ Absolutely. And it gets even more serious because, in some cases, heartburn can even be a sign of angina pectoris, which is a symptom of heart ​disease. That’s why it’s so crucial not to self-diagnose or just rely on over-the-counter antacids for relief.



Senior Editor: So, what should people do when⁣ they experience ​frequent heartburn?



Dr. Chen: First and foremost, consult your doctor.They can help⁣ determine the underlying cause⁤ of your heartburn and recommend ‌the most appropriate treatment. This might‍ involve lifestyle changes, medication, or further investigations if necessary.



Senior Editor: Are there any complications associated with ignoring persistent ⁢heartburn?



Dr. Chen: Absolutely. Untreated conditions like hiatal⁤ hernia‍ can lead to more serious complications over time.



Similarly,untreated stomach bacteria can cause long-term digestive ​problems. Early​ intervention is key to managing these‌ conditions effectively.



Senior Editor: Dr.Chen, thank you so much for shedding light on this critically important topic.



Dr. Chen: My pleasure. Remember,when it⁢ comes to your health,erring on the side of caution is always the best ‌approach.