HOW TO GET RID OF HEARTBURN

Heartburn

This is feeling of burning sensation or warmth in the chest. Heartburn is caused by stomach acid. Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart, the pain is felt in the chest. A persistent heartburn can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD. More complications like ulcer may occur due to severe heartburn. About 10% of adults experience heartburn everyday while 30% experience it once in a while. 25% of expectant mothers may have or any related symptoms.

The pain from heartburn is burning sensation felt in the chest. This burning sensation extend to jaw, throat, arms or back. At times heartburn can be mistaken chest pain. You are advised to seek medical attention as soon as suspect any chest pain for any cause.

Heartburn usually occurs 30 to 60minutes after meal and is usually referred to as acid indigestion. The ache becomes worse when you lie down, bend forward or strain to pass out stools. The ache stops when you stand upright, swallow saliva or water or when you take antacids.  Stomach acid usually affects the respiratory tract. It can cause asthma, sore throat or tooth damage. You may be feeling as if you have a lump in your throat. Persistent of the stomach acid for a long time can damage the esophagus. You may experience difficulty in swallowing. In a severe case, you may start vomiting blood or your stool may have small amounts of blood in it.

Causes

The food we swallow must pass through the esophagus then through esophageal sphincter before getting to the stomach. This esophageal sphincter prevents food from getting back into the esophagus. Then in the stomach, the stomach acid digests the food. This acid is so strong that it can damage many of the body parts or organs. The stomach has a special mucous membrane that protects it from the attack of this acid. The esophagus does not have this protection. So if the esophageal sphincter does not close completely, the lower part of the esophagus may be damaged by this acid. We experience heartburn as a result of this. The stomach acid may enter into the esophagus because, certain foods and drinks may loosen the lower esophageal sphincter. These foods include: spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, fatty foods, chocolates, peppermint, caffeine-contained beverages, cigarette smoking and alcohol. Heartburn may also depend on how you position your body. Stomach acid may easily flow back into the esophagus when you lie down or bend over. Anything that forces stomach acid back into the esophagus due increased pressure on the stomach can cause heartburn. These includes: coughing, lifting, obesity, straining, tight clothing, and pregnancy (can worsen heartburn). People that suffer from diabetes, hernia may have increased chance of heartburn. Certain drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen may increase the risk of heartburn.

Treatment

Some people chew chalk to ease heartburn. Chalk contains calcium carbonate which helps in stopping heartburn.

Antacids. They can be liquid or tablet type. Liquid type are more powerful faster in acting when neutralizing the stomach acids than tablet antacid. Most over-the-counter antacids do not prevent the heartburn from coming back. So, consult your health provider if you want antacids that may last for two weeks.  Antacids that contains calcium carbonates are the most potent. They neutralizes stomach acids faster. The best time to take these drugs are after meal & during bedtime or when symptoms shows up.