Heartburn Millions of people suffer from a common illness called heartburn in the world. Though the name includes the word heart, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. It is a heartburn caused by the reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Although infrequent heartburn is normal, rehashed or serious side effects may show a constant condition like gastroesophageal reflux ailment (GERD). Identifying and understanding what causes heartburn, knowing how to recognize the symptoms of heartburn that urges you to do something right away, even treating your acid reflux problems can help prevent its troublesome impacts.
What is Heartburn?
Heartburn happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular valve between the stomach and esophagus, relaxes. This dysfunction permits stomach acid to return into the esophagus, annoying its lining. This discomfort is usually experienced as a burning sensation in the centre, behind the breastbone. Heartburn can usually occur after some food intake, while lying down or physical stress since in this action stomach pressure increases.
Common Causes of Heartburn
Heartburn is caused by many factors such as what you eat, your lifestyle, and/or health conditions. These are some of the main reasons:
- Dietary Triggers:
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These foods can relax the LES or contribute to increased stomach acid production, such as:
- Spicy foods
- Fried and fatty meals
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Chocolate
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Drinks with caffeine and carbonation
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Additionally, alcohol acts as an irritant to the esophagus and may aggravate symptoms.
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- Overeating:
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Big meals also stretch the abdomen, that can make heartburn more quite likely.
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- Lying Down After Eating:
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One thing gravity can do is keep stomach acid from traveling upwards. Advancing to lying down right after eating encourages the acid to flow into the esophagus.
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- Obesity:
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An increased amount of fat, especially around the abdomen can act as pressure on the stomach causing a backflow of acid leading to acid reflux.
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- Smoking:
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It helps relax the LES and increases acid production — both of which contribute to heartburn ( 6, 7).
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- Pregnancy:
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PregnancyHeartburn experienced during pregnancy is temporary and due to hormonal changes and the pressure of a growing fetus.
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- Medical Conditions:
- A hiatal hernia, improves LES functioning but in the case of puncturing hiatus hernia, where portion of stomach slips into chest cavity.
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GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic disease that leads to frequent acid reflux, and it should be treated by your doctor.
Symptoms of Heartburn
Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, often described as warmth or pain rising up. This causes discomfort mainly after taking a meal or when in a reclining position. Other signs include:
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A sour or bitter flavor in the mouth, because of stomach acid going back up.
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Choking Sensation or Difficulty Swallow
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Persistent cough, for example, hoarseness or sore throat from acid irritation
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Feeling of bloating or fullness after meals.
And although those symptoms themselves are a benign condition, persistent or severe episodes could indicate GERD and more serious complications, like esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus.
Treatment Options for Heartburn
Heartburn management is a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and medical treatments. Here is a round up on some of the most effective solutions:
1. Lifestyle Changes
- Eat Smaller Meals: Eating small meals is going to put less pressure on the LES and minimize acid reflux.
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Remove foods and drinks that may exacerbate symptoms.
- Elevate the Head While Sleeping: A wedge pillow or an elevated head of bed prevents acid from rising up the esophagus during sleep.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Dropping meds improved strain on the stomach, so heartburn goes away.
- Quit Smoking: Quitting smoking leads to a stronger LES and healthier digestion.Despite the economy’s slump, unemployment levels you could Dane paint it green was proud of its success as one of Australia’s top rally slides.
2. Dietary Adjustments
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You can also add foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains and vegetables, so that the digestive system can work properly.
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To alleviate nighttime symptoms, do not eat 2 to 3 hours before going to bed.
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Dilute your stomach acid by drinking lots of water during the day.
3. Over-the-Counter Medications
- Antacids: These will immediately neutralize stomach acid and soothe mild symptoms.
- H2 Receptor Blockers: Acid production reducers such as ranitidine and famotidine
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Other (blocking acid production) such as omeprazole and esomeprazole are longer acting.
4. Prescription Treatments
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If your heartburn is chronic or quite severe, then your doctor might be able to prescribe a stronger type of PPIs or alternative medication that boosts LES function and prevents reflux.
5. Surgical Intervention
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Very few require surgery. For treating severe GERD, we commonly recommend fundoplication – a procedure to reinforce the LES.
Preventing Heartburn
Heartburn management is all about prevention. With a few healthier habits, individuals can almost eliminate their symptoms. Here are some tips:
- Eat Mindfully: Be careful not to overeat and chew food properly
- Stay Upright After Meals: Do not consider lying back or resting until you have had something to eat for at least two.
- Wear Loose Clothing: Using tight clothing is only going to add more pressure to the abdomen and make things worse.
- Manage Stress: Stress can also aggravate heartburn. Engage in relaxation practices including yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
When to See a Doctor
Unlike the occasional heartburn, which is not usually harmful, chronic or painful symptoms may require evaluation by a doctor. Consult a doctor if:
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More than twice a week heartburn.
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Over-the-counter treatments or lifestyle changes do not relieve symptoms.
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Unintentional weight loss, trouble swallowing, or ongoing vomiting.
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Chest discomfort which is present, in particular with shortness of breath or arm pain. This can be a symptom of heart attack — not heartburn.
The Bottom Line
Heartburn is a common and manageable condition. You can learn to reduce symptoms and live a better life by knowing, understanding what causes it/touches it. Infrequent heartburn can be quenched with lifestyle modification and OTC treatments but frequent episodes may signal the presence of a condition such as GERD. If you have symptoms that are not uncommon or severe, get medical advice for diagnosis and treatment.
Although heartburn can be uncomfortable it can also be managed in such a manner that the person does not come in way of enjoying their food and activity however when they take the right approach.
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