Heartburn Specialist

Harmony Health MD Our Services Heartburn

Harmony Health MD

Primary Care Physician located in Glendale, CA

Recurrent heartburn affects as much as 20% of the population each month. At Harmony Health in Glendale, California, Aram Gabrielyan, MD, and the board-certified physicians offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment services for occasional and chronic heartburn. The team creates customized treatment plans to ease the burning sensation of heartburn and prevent new episodes from interfering with your health. Find out more about your options for heartburn treatment by calling Harmony Health or by requesting an appointment online now.

Heartburn Q & A

What is heartburn?

Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is a condition that develops when the acids in your stomach back up into your esophagus, which connects your mouth and stomach.

This backflow of acids causes a painful, burning sensation in your throat and chest. You also experience symptoms like:

  • Choking
  • Chest pressure
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bitter taste in the throat

Heartburn can make it difficult for you to eat and swallow. Without treatment, chronic heartburn can cause permanent damage to the lining of your esophagus.

What causes heartburn?

At the lower end of your esophagus is a muscular valve that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. When this valve relaxes too often or becomes weak over time, you may experience more frequent episodes of heartburn.

If you have episodes of heartburn more than three times a week, you may be diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

How is heartburn diagnosed?

To determine if your symptoms relate to heartburn, GERD, or another underlying medical condition, the Harmony Health team reviews your personal and family medical history. They also discuss the frequency and severity of your symptoms.

To rule out other issues, your Harmony Health provider may recommend an X-ray to evaluate the structure of your esophagus. You may also need an endoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure where your doctor inserts a slender tube with an attached light and camera down into your throat.

The camera sends back real-time images of your upper gastrointestinal tract and your doctor can determine if you have heartburn or another condition. Endoscopy also allows your Harmony Health provider the opportunity to evaluate the damage in your esophagus from stomach acids.

How is heartburn treated?

Treating heartburn typically involves either over-the-counter medicines, like antacids, to neutralize stomach acids. You may also need other medications that slow down the production of acids.

In addition to medication therapy, your Harmony Health provider works with you to improve your diet and eliminate spicy and other acid-causing foods. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important for preventing heartburn.

If you smoke, your Harmony Health doctor offers resources to help you quit and reduce the frequency of your heartburn episodes.

Prevent permanent esophagus damage by getting treatment for your heartburn today. You can book an evaluation online or by calling Harmony Health.

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