Heartburn is a popular gastrointestinal disorder that affects millions of people. Regardless of its name it does not have anything to do with the heart. It is in fact a burning sensation felt in the chest that appears after eating food and is a result of stomach acid being forced back up the esophagus.
What Causes Heartburn?
Heartburn-Occur when the LES (muscle valve between stomach and esophagus) relaxes or becomes weak at inappropriate times. This causes acid from the stomach to come up into the esophagus.
Several factors can trigger heartburn, including:
- Having a big meal or too much to eat, particularly before bed (sleeping on a full stomach) Eating spicy, greasy, citric, or drink lots of milk Consumption of Coffee, Soft drinks and other Carbonated beverages
- Being overweight and obese
- Smoking
- Pressure and sleeplessness
Some foods such as oranges, lemons, tomatoes, chocolate, and fried foods are also known to aggravate symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Heartburn
The main signal that you are experiencing heartburn is felt as a feeling of burning in your chest, which most often occurs after eating. There are other symptoms to be aware of though:
- A sour or bitter (acid) taste in the mouth
- Problems with swallowing
- A sensation of food lodging in the throat.
- Longstanding cough or irritation of the throat
- More pain when going to bed/prowling and Bending over
Such symptoms can be experienced with different severity and frequency depending on one‘s lifestyle and dietary habits.
How Antacids Help
Antacids Even more common than PGH2 inhibitors are over the counter [OTC] antacids. These drugs neutralize stomach acid, and will also relieve heartburn fairly quickly.
Some benefits of using antacids include:
- Relief from burning sensation
- [Easily available (without a prescription
- From time to time use for heartburn.
Antacids can provide an immediate remedy, to be used as and when. However, they should not be relied upon for long term relief as an abuse of antacid can result in side effects such as constipation or diarrhoea in relation to the type used.
Other Effective Home Treatments
Apart from antacids, there are other remedies available for treating heartburn:
1. Have Small Meals
Eating large amounts of food increases pressure in the stomach, thus increasing the risk of heartburn.
2. Avoid Heartburn Foods
If you identify those foods that lead to heartburn, it becomes easier to avoid them.
3. Remain Upright for Hours After Taking Meals
Avoid lying down in bed within two to three hours after eating to reduce the chances of acid going back into the esophagus.
4. Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
Obesity adds unnecessary pressure to the abdomen, thus contributing to heartburn.
5. Sleep With Elevation of the Head
When sleeping, using an extra pillow under the head helps maintain stomach acid at a low level.
6. Relieve Stress
Stress often results in poor digestion. Thus, practicing stress management activities such as breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation may be helpful.
Time to See a Doctor
While having occasional heartburn is not very dangerous, if you have persistent heartburn or the symptoms are severe, then it might be something else that needs your attention. You need to see a doctor if:
- Your heartburn happens two times a week or more
- The heartburn persists despite taking medications
- There is difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss occurs
Getting treated early on can save from any complications in the future.
Conclusion
Heartburn is a treatable condition when one knows what causes heartburn and how to get rid of it through lifestyle changes and medications. It is all about prevention and knowing the things that lead to heartburn. You can take antacids to alleviate symptoms quickly, and you can avoid heartburn by changing your lifestyle.