During an ordinary outpatient visit, a middle-aged man hurriedly came to me with an anxious look on his face. He clutched his chest, frowned, and whispered about his recent experience of being tormented by repeated "sour water" and heartburn. This is not an isolated phenomenon, but a common problem that many people experience in their daily lives. You may have experienced that shortly after eating, a burst of sour water refluxed from your stomach to your throat, accompanied by a burning sensation that made people extremely uncomfortable. 
This condition is often referred to as acid reflux, but it can be a sign of a more complex health problem. In this popular science, I will reveal several conditions that can cause you to have recurrent acid reflux and heartburn, and provide professional advice and practical management strategies. If you or a loved one is suffering from this, read on to find the key to solving your problem. When we talk about acid reflux and heartburn, we are actually describing a phenomenon that not only affects quality of life, but may indicate a deeper health problem. Let's dive into both of these symptoms and why it's crucial to recognize and treat them promptly. Acid reflux: Acid reflux, medically known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), refers to the reflux of stomach acid and other gastric contents into the esophagus, causing a series of uncomfortable symptoms and potential esophageal damage. It's not just the occasional discomfort; Long-term reflux can lead to esophagitis, esophageal strictures, and even esophageal cancer. Why do middle-aged and older people need to pay special attention to this? As we age, the closing mechanism of the stomach may weaken, making acid reflux a more common problem. Heartburn: The sensation of burning in the stomach is usually a direct result of acid reflux, and it feels like there's a fire burning behind the breastbone. It's not just uncomfortable; It is a signal of imbalance in the body. Frequent heartburn can mean a constant acidic attack on the esophagus that needs to be managed with dietary and lifestyle changes. Dry goods sharing: How to self-diagnose and prevent Identifying symptoms: Understanding and identifying the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn is the first step. If you often feel a burning sensation behind your breastbone after a meal or at night, it could be a sign of acid reflux. Dietary modifications: Reducing your intake of coffee, chocolate, greasy foods, and alcohol can greatly reduce the chances of acid reflux. Increasing your intake of dietary fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, can help improve the overall health of your digestive system. Lifestyle changes: Avoiding lying down immediately after meals and waiting at least three hours before going to bed can reduce acid reflux at night. Maintaining a healthy weight is also a key factor in reducing acid reflux symptoms. Understanding acid reflux and heartburn is not only superficial in recognizing these two symptoms, but more importantly recognizing that they may be early signs of a more serious health problem. With proper diet and lifestyle modifications, these symptoms can be significantly reduced and quality of life can be improved. Of course, if symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to seek medical advice promptly. It's not just about relieving discomfort, it's about protecting your long-term health. 
Gastroesophageal reflux: It's not just heartburnGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the main causes of acid reflux and heartburn. When this condition occurs, stomach acid and food contents flow backwards into the esophagus, causing discomfort. Middle-aged and elderly people are more susceptible to this condition due to changes in gastric acid secretion regulation and relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Diagnosing GERD is not only symptomatic but may also require gastroscopy and 24-hour pH monitoring. Methods include lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgery may be required in severe cases. Hidden Warning: Gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcerGastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer are two common stomach diseases that can damage the lining of the stomach or duodenum, causing symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux. It is mainly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In addition to heartburn, ulcers can cause symptoms such as loss of appetite and weight loss. Usually involves antacid medications and antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori infection. Functional dyspepsia: Beyond your imagination Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common symptom of stomach discomfort characterized by fullness, early satiety heartburn, but no obvious organic disease. It is associated with delayed gastric emptying, gastric motility. The key to managing FD is dietary modification, small portions, reduction of greasy and indigestible foods, and the use of medications such as prokinetics if necessary. Stomach cancer is known early: Alarm bell of lifeStomach cancer may only manifest as mild heartburn or indigestion symptoms in the early stage, so it is easy to be overlooked. Early diagnosis is essential to improve survival. Regular gastroscopy, especially for individuals with a family history of stomach cancer, is essential for early detection of stomach cancer. Initial symptoms include persistent stomach upset, loss of appetite, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. 
While the symptoms may be similar, the causes and strategies behind these diseases vary. Identifying the true cause of these symptoms is essential to developing the right plans and preventive measures. Middle-aged and elderly people should pay special attention to these symptoms and seek medical advice in time to avoid possible serious consequences.