Too Young for Chronic Heartburn?

Historically, the typical patient seeking treatment for severe GERD (acid reflux) was in their 50s or 60s, according to Dr. Fares Ayoub, gastroenterologist at St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital. These patients often endured years of daily medication, only coming to specialists when that medication started to fail or side effects became unbearable. But, increasingly, young adults–even those in their 20s and 30s–are experiencing debilitating, persistent symptoms that require more than daily medication.

At St. Luke's Sugar Land, our GERD specialists are seeing a growing number of younger patients, debunking the myth that chronic heartburn is solely an ailment of advancing age.

The Myth of Age and Heartburn

The GERD landscape is changing, and patients are seeking treatment at younger ages. While the "classic" GERD patient might be older, several factors can contribute to chronic acid reflux in younger populations:

• Anatomical Predisposition: A hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, can occur at any age. This anatomical issue is often the root cause of persistent reflux, regardless of how old you are.
• Diet and Lifestyle: Modern diets, often high in processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol, coupled with stressful lifestyles, can exacerbate reflux symptoms. Even active individuals, particularly those involved in high-impact activities or heavy lifting, can experience increased abdominal pressure that contributes to reflux.
• Delayed Diagnosis: Younger individuals might dismiss their symptoms as minor indigestion, or health care providers might initially suggest only lifestyle changes and PPIs. This can delay proper diagnosis and allow symptoms to worsen.

The Dangers of Untreated or Under-Treated GERD

Ignoring or only superficially treating chronic GERD in young adults can have significant long-term consequences:

• Esophageal Damage: Persistent acid exposure can lead to inflammation (esophagitis), strictures (narrowing of the esophagus), and even a precancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus. The younger you are when this damage begins, the longer the potential for progression.
• Impact on Quality of Life: Chronic heartburn can severely impair daily activities, sleep, and overall well-being, affecting careers, relationships, and mental health.
• Over-reliance on Medications: Long-term use of PPIs, even in younger individuals, carries risks, including nutrient deficiencies (like iron and magnesium) and potential impacts on bone health. "Women are particularly at risk from the side effects of long term use of acid suppressing medications, because in certain patients, it can affect bone repair and iron absorption," Dr. Ayoub notes.

Early Intervention is Key

At St. Luke's Health, we advocate for early, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, particularly for young adults. We emphasize moving beyond simply masking symptoms with pills.

Our approach focuses on:

1. Thorough Diagnostic Testing: We go beyond symptoms to understand the exact nature and cause of an individual's GERD, including looking for hiatal hernias and measuring acid reflux objectively. "We do more diagnostic testing that personalizes every patient's heartburn treatment and journey," Dr. Ayoub says.

2. Addressing the Root Cause: If an anatomical issue like a hiatal hernia is identified, we offer advanced, restorative procedures, such as our combined laparoscopic hernia repair and TIF procedure. This "tag team" approach performed by two surgeons addresses the core problem, allowing patients to regain normal function and often become medication-free.

No one should have to suffer from chronic heartburn or rely on lifelong medication without exploring definitive, restorative options. Early intervention can lead to significantly better long-term outcomes and a healthier future.

Ready to explore your long-term options for GERD? Contact the General & Bariatric Surgery Clinic at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Group in Sugar Land, Texas, at (281) 637-9000 or find a doctor near you to schedule a consultation with our experienced gastroenterology and surgical team.