Many people experience intense pain and a burning sensation when eating, just after eating, or in some cases chronically. There are various types of pain and discomfort that might be behind this type of pain. Any type of digestion problem should be seen by our doctor in Brooklyn, NY.
Heartburn
Often considered a burning sensation located in the upper abdomen, heartburn can also cause pain that seems to radiate into the chest, throat, and neck. You may have trouble swallowing, chronic coughing, wheezing, or regurgitation as well. Heartburn occurs when the contents of the stomach move back into the esophagus. This is the tube that transports food from your mouth into your stomach.
Acid Reflux
In some situations, the acid that is present in the stomach and working to digest food can “reflux” or leak back into the esophagus. When this happens, it creates a burning sensation in the throat and chest. That’s commonly called heartburn. However, the fluid can often go further into the mouth as well. This type of acid reflux can happen just once in a while or it can happen often. Daily heartburn or acid reflux is considered severe and requires a heartburn doctor in Brooklyn to help you overcome it.
GERD
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is heartburn that occurs more than two times a week. Over time, it worsens your esophagus and causes difficulties such as swallowing difficulties, weight loss, bleeding, and other concerns.
If you have persistent heartburn, our Brooklyn doctor can help you. It’s important to know that heartburn can be a symptom of a tumor or inflammation that requires medical attention as well. For this reason, it’s important to consider medical treatment for your heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD.
Barrett’s Esophagus
In some individuals, the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, doesn’t have a normal white lining. Instead, it may have a red lining called specialized intestinal metaplasia. This is what defines Barrett’s esophagus. Our Brooklyn physician can help you with this condition.
About 10 percent of people who have chronic or long-term gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, suffer from this condition. This is a precancerous lining that may lead to esophageal concern called adenocarcinoma. This risk is low in most people.
It is not possible for us to know who will develop this condition or develop concern from it. However, if you have Barrett’s, it is always a good idea to be monitored at our Cobble Hill or Ocean Parkway locations in Brooklyn, NY at least on an annual basis to ensure your overall health remains stable. When found early, it can be curable.