Heartburn Treatment Doctor in Irving, TX

Heartburn is a common issue we address at Internists of North Dallas. It refers to a burning discomfort or pain in the chest, usually occurring after eating. This sensation is primarily caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus—the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. This condition, known as acid reflux, happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (a band of muscle at the base of the esophagus) relaxes inappropriately or becomes weakened. When this muscle doesn’t close properly, stomach acid can escape into the esophagus, irritating its lining and resulting in that familiar burning feeling.

A variety of factors can contribute to heartburn. Eating large meals or lying down soon after eating can increase the likelihood of acid reflux. Certain foods and drinks—such as fatty or spicy foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol—can trigger heartburn by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter or increasing acid production. Other risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, and smoking, which can all place additional pressure on the abdomen or weaken the sphincter muscle. Certain medications, including those prescribed for blood pressure, asthma, or pain, may also contribute to heartburn or irritate the esophagus. Additionally, medical conditions like a hiatal hernia may make acid reflux more likely.

At Internists of North Dallas, our experienced physicians can help you identify the underlying causes of your heartburn and work with you to develop an effective management plan. Many patients benefit from lifestyle changes, such as modifying their diet, eating smaller meals, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding triggers. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical advice. Chronic or severe heartburn may indicate a more serious condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which requires prompt evaluation and treatment.

At Internists of North Dallas, we often see patients experiencing heartburn—a common condition that typically feels like a burning sensation in the chest, just behind the breastbone. This discomfort frequently begins after meals and may last from a few minutes to several hours. Many of our patients describe it as a warmth or heat that rises from the stomach toward the throat, sometimes accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth if stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.

You may also notice a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest, and symptoms often worsen when lying down, bending over, or after eating certain foods. While occasional heartburn is usually mild, persistent or severe symptoms can indicate a more serious condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

At Internists of North Dallas, our experienced physicians can help evaluate your symptoms, determine the underlying cause, and recommend an effective treatment plan to help you find relief and protect your long-term health. If you are experiencing frequent or severe heartburn, schedule an appointment with us today.

Heartburn is a common symptom that many people experience as a burning sensation in the chest, often after eating or when lying down. For most individuals, heartburn lasts from a few minutes to a couple of hours and may resolve once the stomach digests the food or after taking over-the-counter antacids.

However, some people experience heartburn that lingers for several hours or recurs frequently, especially if they continue to eat foods that trigger symptoms or lie flat soon after meals. Chronic or persistent heartburn can be a sign of an underlying condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

At Internists of North Dallas, we encourage our patients to pay attention to their symptoms. If you have frequent heartburn—occurring several times a week—or if your heartburn lasts for days at a time, it’s important to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified physicians. Additionally, if you notice other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or chest pain, prompt medical evaluation is essential.

Our team at Internists of North Dallas is experienced in diagnosing and managing heartburn and related conditions. We provide comprehensive care, from lifestyle counseling and medication management to further testing if necessary, to help you feel better and prevent complications.

At Internists of North Dallas, we often see patients concerned about heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While these conditions are closely related, it’s important to understand the differences and know when to seek medical care.

Heartburn is a common symptom many people experience—a burning sensation in the chest, typically after eating or when lying down. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation. Occasional heartburn is usually triggered by certain foods, drinks, or lifestyle factors and is not uncommon.

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), on the other hand, is a chronic condition. With GERD, acid reflux happens more frequently, often at least twice a week, and can lead to persistent symptoms or complications. Along with regular heartburn, patients with GERD may also notice regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, a chronic cough, or a sore throat. Over time, untreated GERD can cause inflammation or even damage to the esophagus.

When to Seek Care:

While occasional heartburn is not unusual, frequent or severe symptoms may indicate GERD. If you find that heartburn is interfering with your daily life, or if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to discuss them with a healthcare professional.

At Internists of North Dallas, our experienced physicians can help diagnose and manage both heartburn and GERD, offering personalized treatment plans to reduce your symptoms and prevent complications.

Dr. Nabila Aslam, MD, provides personalized care for heartburn in Irving, TX, by taking a comprehensive approach tailored to each patient’s unique needs. As a board-certified internal medicine physician, she begins with a thorough evaluation of the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors. This enables her to accurately diagnose the root cause of heartburn and develop a customized treatment plan. Dr. Aslam’s approach includes educating patients about lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and stress management, alongside medication management when necessary. She emphasizes long-term solutions for heartburn relief, ensuring that each patient understands how to manage their condition effectively to prevent recurrence. By fostering open communication and offering compassionate care, Dr. Aslam helps patients achieve lasting relief from heartburn while improving their overall digestive health. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 4500 N MacArthur Blvd #130, Irving, TX 75038. We serve patients from Irving TX, Coppell TX, Euless TX, Las Colinas TX, Farmers Branch TX, Valley Ranch TX, and surrounding areas.