Heartburn is something most people experience at one point or another, especially after a heavy meal or drinking alcohol. “It’s so common that most of the time your natural intuition is correct that you can start low and go slow as long as you know it’s got a typical trigger,” said Dr. Peter Blais, board-certified gastroenterologist with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Sometimes, though, it can be more serious. When heartburn goes from occasional to regular to debilitating without the use of daily medications, it’s important to talk with your doctor. “There are two things to keep in mind,” Dr. Blais said. “One is alarm symptoms, and the other one is risk factors.” Alarm symptoms include issues with swallowing, pain when swallowing and loss of weight and appetite. Risk factors include obesity and increased age. “The number one risk factor for something like esophagus cancer is having unabated, uncontrolled acid reflux,” Dr. Blais said. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a common type of medication that can help with acid reflux, but there are some potential side effects. Though Dr. Blais says some of them have been overblown, it’s important to watch for osteoarthritis, increased risk of infection and other side effects when taking PPIs. While you don’t want to see a surgeon unnecessarily, minimally invasive surgery may be the best option long-term. “If you need an anatomic correction for your reflux because medications do not work or you do not want to be on medications long-term, then it’s important to see a surgeon,” said Dr. Misho Hubka, board-certified thoracic surgeon and executive medical director for the Center for Digestive Health at VMFH. If your doctor suggests surgery, there have been recent advancements in minimally invasive techniques. “At Virginia Mason, we do all of these operations with the use of a surgical robot,” Dr. Hubka said. As common as heartburn is, you don’t want to sweep it under the rug if it’s persistent. Making lifestyle changes, like eating a well-balanced diet, stopping tobacco usage and limiting alcohol consumption, can help prevent acid reflux and esophageal cancer. To find out more about acid reflux and expert care, visit the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health website. Sponsored by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Segment Producer Joseph Suttner. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.