Simple Ways to Manage Digestive Problems
Can exercise cause heartburn?
Exercise has more than a few health perks. Among them is weight loss, which can help you avoid getting heartburn in the first place if you are overweight. But some types of exercise can trigger the burning sensation. You’ll be less likely to reach for your heartburn medicine if you avoid crunches and inverted poses in yoga. You may need to find alternatives to high-impact workouts. For example, bicycle or swim instead of going for a run.
What is GERD?
Everyone has heartburn from time to time. But when you have it frequently (at least twice a week for a few weeks), or when it begins to interfere with your daily life or damage your esophagus, your doctor may tell you that you have a long-term condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. It’s also known as acid reflux disease. Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD.
What are other symptoms of GERD?
Besides the frequent burning in your chest, you might also have symptoms like:
Is it GERD or something else?
Frequent heartburn is a symptom of GERD, but it may also signal a more serious condition, like an ulcer or irritation of the stomach lining. It’s important to get help if you have heartburn frequently so you can avoid complications from GERD and uncover any other problems. Call your doctor or make an appointment with a gastroenterologist, who specializes in digestive illnesses.
Many of the symptoms of heartburn sound like a heart attack. If you’re not sure, call 911.
What are the complications of frequent heartburn and GERD?
Over time, heartburn that isn’t treated or controlled well by lifestyle changes or medicine may cause serious problems, including:
Digestive Health Tips
In this article
Heartburn/GERD continued...
Can exercise cause heartburn?
Exercise has more than a few health perks. Among them is weight loss, which can help you avoid getting heartburn in the first place if you are overweight. But some types of exercise can trigger the burning sensation. You’ll be less likely to reach for your heartburn medicine if you avoid crunches and inverted poses in yoga. You may need to find alternatives to high-impact workouts. For example, bicycle or swim instead of going for a run.
What is GERD?
Everyone has heartburn from time to time. But when you have it frequently (at least twice a week for a few weeks), or when it begins to interfere with your daily life or damage your esophagus, your doctor may tell you that you have a long-term condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. It’s also known as acid reflux disease. Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD.
What are other symptoms of GERD?
Besides the frequent burning in your chest, you might also have symptoms like:
- Bad breath or a sour taste in your mouth or in the back of your throat
- Breathing problems
- Cough
- Feeling like you have a lump in the back of your throat
- Hoarse or raspy voice
- Nausea
- Difficult or painful swallowing
- Sore throat
- Tooth decay
- Vomiting
Is it GERD or something else?
Frequent heartburn is a symptom of GERD, but it may also signal a more serious condition, like an ulcer or irritation of the stomach lining. It’s important to get help if you have heartburn frequently so you can avoid complications from GERD and uncover any other problems. Call your doctor or make an appointment with a gastroenterologist, who specializes in digestive illnesses.
Many of the symptoms of heartburn sound like a heart attack. If you’re not sure, call 911.
What are the complications of frequent heartburn and GERD?
Over time, heartburn that isn’t treated or controlled well by lifestyle changes or medicine may cause serious problems, including:
- Breathing problems like asthma, nighttime choking, and repeated pneumonia
- Changes in the cells that line the esophagus, called Barrett’s esophagus. This can lead to cancer of the esophagus.
- Painful inflammation of the esophagus called esophagitis
- Narrowing of the esophagus, called esophageal stricture. This can cause problems swallowing.
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