Can you get heartburn as a teenager?
Heartburn is not just an adult problem. In fact, 1 in 4 teenagers has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a serious disorder that damages the body and can lead to cancer.
Can an 18 year old have acid reflux?
But it’s just a stereotype – reflux affects a wide range of people. “It can be an 18 year old guy who is thin as a rail who has horrible reflux, and lots of women have reflux, too – it’s not necessary to be an obese man to have reflux,” said Dr. Jared Brooks, a surgeon with Sentara Surgery Specialists in Norfolk.
Why do I have heartburn at 18?
Indigestion usually happens when people eat too much or too fast, or certain foods don’t agree with them. It might happen more often if you smoke, drink alcohol, are stressed out, or don’t get enough sleep. Sometimes indigestion can be accompanied by heartburn.
Why am I getting heartburn all of the sudden?
Heartburn is actually a symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and is caused by acid refluxing back into the esophagus. Risk factors include those that increase the production of acid in the stomach, as well as structural problems that allow acid reflux into the esophagus.
What emotion causes heartburn?
Acid reflux and anxiety may share a close link. Some research suggests that anxiety might make acid reflux symptoms worse. Anxiety and stress may also be contributing factors to acid reflux in some cases. Conversely, acid reflux can be stressful and may cause anxiety in some people.
Can heartburn be psychological?
Heartburn symptoms tied to psychological factors in some patients. (Reuters Health) – Heartburn sufferers who don’t feel better with standard treatment, but who have no detectable reflux, tend to have greater distress and worse quality of life, according to a new study.
How long does a GERD flare up last?
Most people with GERD have frequent bouts of heartburn, typically a tight, burning pain behind the breastbone that moves up towards the neck. The pain usually flares up after meals (especially large meals) and lasts for as long as two hours.
When should I go to the ER for GERD?
Mild acid reflux typically occurs in the same place each time you experience a flare-up of your symptoms. However, if the pain moves around your stomach or chest or it relocates to a new area entirely, you should go to the ER or your doctor immediately.
When is Gerd an emergency?
When to Call Your Doctor. Untreated acid reflux or GERD can lead to complications over time. Call your doctor right away if you or your child experiences any of the following symptoms: persistent difficulty swallowing or choking, which can indicate severe damage to the esophagus.
What does a GERD flare up feel like?
The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn (acid indigestion). It usually feels like a burning chest pain that starts behind your breastbone and moves upward to your neck and throat. Many people say it feels like food is coming back into the mouth, leaving an acid or bitter taste.