Do you hesitate to sit down for a big meal? Are you avoiding certain foods? Do you experience a burning sensation behind the breastbone while eating or shortly after?

Do you get a sour or acidy taste in the mouth hours after eating? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have acid reflux.

Heartburn or acid reflux is very common. This condition affects more than 60 million people in the United States at least once a month. Heartburn can affect anyone, and at any age, but its occurrence dramatically increases over the age of 40.

Heartburn is caused by an abnormal relaxation or weakness of the valve between the stomach and lower end of the esophagus (food tube). As a result, digestive fluids from the stomach can leak up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the tissue.

Tips for preventing heartburn

1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.

2. Do not bend over or lay down for three hours after eating.

3. Avoid wearing tight clothing around your stomach area.

4. Do not smoke.

5. Maintain your ideal weight.

6. Avoid foods that notoriously cause heartburn. Examples: peppermint, chocolate, spicy foods, fried foods, citrous foods, onions and garlic.

7. Avoid beverages that can cause heartburn: coffee, alcoholic drinks.

8. Consider taking an over-the-counter medication:

• Antacids. These medications buffer or help neutralize the stomach acid.

• H2 blockers. These medications reduce acid production.

• Acid pump inhibitors. This medication blocks acid production.

When to see a doctor

If you are having heartburn twice a week or more, make an appointment to see your doctor. Frequent or persistent heartburn can be an indication of many conditions, including ulcers, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), narrowing of the esophagus, hiatal hernia or even certain cancers.

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Dr. Linda Petter of Auburn is a weekly feature on KOMO TV/News Radio in Seattle (1000 AM and 97.7 FM) every Saturday and Sunday 7:45 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., and Thursdays during the evening commute. She trained at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Illinois, Carle Hospital. Dr. Petter is chief of the Department of Family Practice at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. She is a consumer healthcare advocate and her books, “Healthcare On a Budget” and “Common Medical Sense”, are available on Amazon.com. Visit her website, www.docforall.com, or call her office at 253-568-0841.