In Louisiana, we take pride in our food traditions. From king cakes to crawfish boils to late-night celebrations with beer, wine, and everything in between, we’re proud of our famous flavors and don’t hold back on anything in the spice department. But sometimes, those good times keep rolling through the night and leave a familiar burn in your chest that can’t be ignored.
Primary care physicians, like Dr. Christopher Van Hise, frequently hear about heartburn from their patients. In fact, it’s one of the most common digestive concerns patients raise during routine visits. According to Dr. Van Hise, New Orleans is particularly prone due to our patented brand of partying year-round.
“It’s a long calendar of celebrations in New Orleans, from Halloween through Festival Season, where we have bigger and heavier meals, with a whole array of spices, that can exacerbate heartburn and reflux,” explains Dr. Van Hise. “These are all the more reasons it is so important to see your regular primary care doctor as needed to avoid any long-term effects.”
The 5 Cs, or five common triggers, of heartburn that doctors often point to are Coffee, Chocolate, Citrus, Carbonated drinks, and Cocktails. Around Carnival season, it’s easy to encounter all five in a single day! But what even is heartburn beyond that uncomfortable sensation in your chest? Turns out, it’s stomach acid slipping in where it doesn’t belong.
“The stomach has a good protective lining that keeps acid inside, but sometimes that acid slips through the valve of the stomach and begins affecting the esophagus,” says Dr. Van Hise. “This can feel like chest pain, or a burning, that can trigger further symptoms, and if left untreated over enough time can even increase the likelihood of esophageal cancer.”
Occasional heartburn can be normal, but frequent symptoms may signal something more. A primary care physician can help identify the underlying cause of the discomfort, recommend realistic lifestyle adjustments, manage medications as necessary, and determine when further evaluation is needed.
“Our primary care doctors don’t work alone,” said Dr. Rade Pejic, Chair of Family Medicine. “They collaborate closely with Tulane specialists, making it easier for patients to move smoothly from routine care to specialized care when needed.”
Living well in Louisiana doesn’t mean giving up the foods and traditions we love. It means having a trusted primary care physician who understands the balance and helps you feel your best year-round. Beyond dietary changes, which might interfere with your ideal Carnival season, there are still several habits that can help limit the effects of heartburn on your body.
“If avoiding spicy or fattier foods proves difficult, eating smaller portions can help alleviate heartburn and reflux symptoms, as well as staying upright for two to three hours after a meal,” advises Dr. Van Hise. “By refraining from eating before bed, and elevating your head when sleeping to allow gravity to work for you, the effects can be at least mitigated. However, if symptoms persist, it is always ideal to speak with your primary care physician as soon as possible for more specialized treatment.”
If heartburn has become a regular guest at the table, call Tulane Doctors at (504) 988-5000 to book a primary care appointment today.
