What Causes Heartburn?
Almost everyone has experienced heartburn at some point. It feels like a burning pain behind the breastbone caused by rising stomach acid that irritates the oesophageal lining. This burning sensation is just one form of reflux. Non-acidic reflux can also occur due to certain foods, anatomical factors, or increased sensitivity of the oesophagus. Some people also notice symptoms when lying down because the stomach entrance does not close properly, allowing food or liquid to flow back up into the throat.
What Is GERD?
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition where stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the oesophagus. This reflux can cause a wide range of symptoms, not only the typical burning sensation behind the breastbone. Common signs include frequent throat clearing, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, chronic coughing, breathing discomfort, or the feeling of a lump in the throat. Chest pain should always be checked by a doctor, especially if it appears for the first time.
How Can Heartburn Be Prevented?
After other possible causes are ruled out, lifestyle changes are often the first step. Foods that are very fatty, acidic, or spicy frequently trigger symptoms. Smoking can also worsen heartburn. If you experience reflux, observe whether symptoms appear after specific foods or drinks. Spicy meals, citrus juices, tomato products, carbonated drinks, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, and fast food are common triggers. Large evening meals should also be avoided.
What Helps When Heartburn Occurs?
For quick relief, baking soda can neutralise stomach acid, but it should be used in moderation and never confused with baking powder or washing soda. Medications such as antacids can also reduce discomfort, but they should be taken only after consulting a doctor. Drinking a glass of warm water in the morning may soothe symptoms, and elevating the upper body at night can help those with nocturnal reflux.
Foods that may reduce symptoms include ginger, green salads, celery, bananas, berries, melon, nuts, white bread, potatoes, and herbal teas such as fennel, aniseed, or caraway. Drinking milk or chewing gum may also offer short-term relief.
Does Heartburn Matter Before Weight Loss Surgery?
If you experience occasional or frequent heartburn before weight loss surgery, you must mention it during your pre-operative consultation. Your team will consider this when choosing the most suitable procedure. A gastroscopy may be recommended to confirm whether reflux is truly the cause. If stomach acid has already affected the oesophagus, a gastric bypass may be advised instead of a gastric sleeve, as it can significantly reduce reflux.
However, a gastric sleeve may still be possible if heartburn is caused by a hiatal hernia, which can be corrected during surgery.
What If Heartburn Appears After Surgery?
Being severely overweight can cause heartburn, but the gastric sleeve procedure itself may also change anatomy in a way that triggers new symptoms. In many cases, this reflux settles over time. Temporary use of acid-blocking medication may be needed and later tapered off as your diet normalises.
Some patients continue to experience persistent symptoms and may require long-term medication. If the heartburn is severe, converting the gastric sleeve to a gastric bypass can provide significant relief.
Even after a gastric bypass, some people may still experience reflux occasionally. This can often be managed with dietary adjustments or antacids, and symptoms usually improve as time passes.
