Hello Jia Rong,
What you have described is highly suggestive of an excessive acid secretion problem. This can happen with ingestion of certain food or beverages in some individuals. It may also happen to individuals with irregular meal habits or under a lot of stress.
The most important aspect to the above problem is to ensure that we are not dealing with more serious issues such as ulcers, other pathology or infection in the upper digestive tract. In general, any persistent symptoms with associated weight or appetite loss, nocturnal symptoms, or dark stools warrant attention.
Although a total cure may be difficult to achieve at times, these symptoms can usually be effectively managed with some acid suppression therapy. This can range from simple antacids to H2 blockers (e.g. ranitidine or famotidine) or PPIs (proton pump inhibitors).
Some individual may need medicine from time to time. This is fine so long as more serious underlying issues have been excluded. At times, finding and eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach may solve this burning problem.
- Dr Quan
