Could nighttime heartburn suggest esophageal damage?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 44-year-old, and for the past few months, I have been struggling with heartburn almost every night. I usually eat dinner late, and I have noticed that when I lie down, I sometimes wake up with a burning sensation in my throat and a bitter taste in my mouth. I also get this weird feeling like something is stuck in my throat, even when I am not eating. I have been using antacids, but they do not always help. Could this be something more serious than just acid reflux? Should I be worried about esophageal damage, and are there long-term risks if I do not treat it?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Your symptoms are going in the direction of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disorder). Acid reflux can give you a feeling of continuous irritation in the throat and can damage esophageal mucosa. I will advise to have some lifestyle modifications like-

Dinner around two hours before sleeping, followed by plenty of water.

Avoiding spicy foods, junk foods, excessive caffeine, and tea.

Treatment-

Take table Pantop 40 mg (antacid) empty stomach in the morning for 10 days.

If your symptoms persist even after taking antacid for 10 days continuously, kindly consult your physician.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.