Heartburn, also known as pyrosis, cardialgia, or acid indigestion is a burning sensation in the chest, just behind the breastbone or in the epigastrium, the upper central abdomen. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw.
Heartburn is usually associated with regurgitation of gastric acid (gastric reflux) which is the major symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It may also be a symptom of ischemic heart disease, though this is true for only 0.6% of those experiencing heartburn.
A burning sensation in the chest, throat, jaw as well as arms and
back may indicate heartburn. This sensation is experienced about half an
hour to one hour after eating a meal. The pain worsens when one tries
to lie down, sleep on the side or bend down.
Other signs include:
Heartburn is quite understandable by its symptoms. Thus, tests and
procedures are not generally required. However, in order to understand
if GERD is the cause of the heartburn or traditional methods to
heartburn does not bring the symptoms under control, tests are advised.
These tests include:
In order to treat heartburn, one can try over-the-counter medications.
Some of the medications for heartburn include:
There are many home care tips one can follow to prevent heartburn from reoccurring.
These home care remedies are as follows:
Do not confuse heartburn symptoms as signs of heart attack and vice versa. If one experiences sudden severe pain in chest, jaw, arm and back, visit a doctor immediately.
Treatment for heartburn could simply be a better diet. Other times a person could avoid eating heavy meals at night and not snacking before bed.
Elevating the bed one to two inches could also reduce the risk of acid rising. Taking over the counter antacids is also a very common cure.
Steering clear of caffeine right before bedtime or before laying down is a good idea and cutting caffeine intake down.
Heartburn is usually associated with regurgitation of gastric acid (gastric reflux) which is the major symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It may also be a symptom of ischemic heart disease, though this is true for only 0.6% of those experiencing heartburn.
Cause of heart burn
There are several causes for getting heart burn:- Eating foods that are heavily spiced can lead to heart burn.
- Also eating food that are greasy and high in fat can be a factor due to more acid being produced.
- Going long periods without food can cause heartburn due to the stomach producing acid that is not needed. Normally a person can tell when they get this kind of heartburn and simply eating will cure it.
- Eating any kind of food fast does not give the stomach much time to take care of the food and could also produce an abundance of acid.
Symptoms of Heartburn
Other signs include:
- Chronic cough that causes hoarseness in voice or sore throat
- A feeling that the food is stuck in the chest or throat
- Sour taste or bitter taste in mouth due to regurgitation of the stomach acid
- Difficulty swallowing due to damage to esophagus by stomach acid. In severe cases, one may vomit blood due to a tear in esophagus
Diagnosis of Heartburn
These tests include:
- Gastrointestinal endoscopy that helps the doctor see the extent of damage to the esophagus due to the stomach acid.
- X-ray of the upper digestive tract to observe the stomach, upper intestine as well as esophagus.
- Esophageal manometry to check the strength or weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle.
- pH monitoring to check the level of acidity of the esophagus.
Treatment for Heartburn
Some of the medications for heartburn include:
- Antacids to reduce the burning sensation and pain
- H-2-receptor blockers that reduce the production of acid
- Proton pump inhibitors that block the production of acid and allow the esophagus to overcome the damage
Home remedies for Heartburn
These home care remedies are as follows:
- Avoid eating excessive spicy foods, citrus foods, chocolates, peppermint, tomatoes, sauces, etc.
- Avoid drinking excessive coffee, carbonated drinks, tea, alcohol, etc.
- Do not sleep or bend immediately after eating
- Eat meals at least 3 to 4 hours before bedtime
- Do not wear tight fitting clothes
- Obesity is one of the contributing factors to heartburn. Thus, try and lose excessive weight to overcome health issues
- Quit smoking and drinking excessive alcohol
Do not confuse heartburn symptoms as signs of heart attack and vice versa. If one experiences sudden severe pain in chest, jaw, arm and back, visit a doctor immediately.
Treatment for heartburn could simply be a better diet. Other times a person could avoid eating heavy meals at night and not snacking before bed.
Elevating the bed one to two inches could also reduce the risk of acid rising. Taking over the counter antacids is also a very common cure.
Steering clear of caffeine right before bedtime or before laying down is a good idea and cutting caffeine intake down.
People who don't suffer from heartburn symptoms don't really know how debilitating it can be. Heartburn can affect your life very badly.
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