Heartburn is that burning sensation behind the breastbone which can radiate up to the throat. But when you reached for that second helping of lasagna or onion rings or whatever tasted so good, it didn’t enter your mind. Heartburn or acid reflux begins it churning and burning after you have left the dinner table. Heartburn can even cause a chronic cough, created by the acid reflux entering the lungs. If you have heartburn only occasionally, it shouldn’t be a concern. Just learning what you can eat and not eat, and exercising will power will be enough to subdue the symptoms. But if you ignore the symptoms and begin to experience heartburn two or more times a week, you can develop serious medical conditions.
What is Heartburn?
Heartburn is the result of the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to keep the stomach’s contents in the stomach. This muscle acts as a valve at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach, opening when food is swallowed and closing again. When the lower sphincter muscle (LES) malfunctions, the gastric acid from the digestion process enters the esophagus, irritating the lining of the esophagus. The stomach’s lining is meant to produce and handle the gastric acid, but the more delicate lining of the esophagus is burned. Part of the gastric acid consists of naturally-produced hydrochloric acid, which you may remember from chemistry class as a highly corrosive compound that has major industrial uses. After all, it isn’t easy breaking down ingested food into the nutrients needed by your body. Although the condition is called heartburn, it has nothing to do with the heart, except for being located close to it. Heart problems can also cause a burning sensation, but it would be completely unrelated to acid reflux. Chest pain should always be evaluated by your doctor.
The Causes of Heartburn
Just another reason to stop smoking !
The reasons are unclear why some people are more susceptible to acid reflux than others. But certain factors are known to contribute to heartburn:
- Obesity puts additional pressure on the stomach.
- Hiatal hernias allow acid reflux to enter the esophagus.
- Smoking irritates the lining of the stomach, increasing acid production while also relaxing the sphincter muscle.
- Tight clothing can exert pressure on the stomach.
- Lying down within three hours of eating.
- Eating a large meal.
Heartburn can be caused by certain foods:
- Spicy foods
- Tomato-based foods
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits
- Caffeine or alcohol in drinks
- Mint
- Onions and garlic
- Fried foods
Finding Relief from Heartburn
Once that burning sensation begins, you will probably start looking for heartburn remedies. Fortunately, the symptoms of heartburn can be relieved by several different types of medications:
- Antacids subdue symptoms in mild cases. Tums®, Alka-Seltzer® and Maalox® are some well-known brand names which will neutralize gastric acids. However, they are only effective for a short time.
- H2 blockers can decrease acid production. Pepcid AC® and Zantac 75® are two brand names in this group.
- Foaming agents cover the stomach with foam and prevent acid reflux. Gaviscon® is a popular brand name of this type.
- Proton pump inhibitors stop the production of gastric acids and also heal damaged tissue in the esophagus. Prilosec® is an over-the-counter brand name and Nexium® is available with a prescription.
- Prokinetics are a prescription drug which can help strengthen the sphincter muscle and move food faster through the stomach. This class of drugs does have drawbacks, such as depression, sleepiness, and fatigue. Also, physical movement may be affected.
In addition, home remedies include raising the head of your bed a few inches, sleeping with your upper body elevated on pillows, and eating several smaller meals throughout the day instead of harder-to-digest large meals. Many people believe milk is a good antidote to acid reflux, but it actually stimulates more acid production, and the heartburn returns and is usually more severe.
Your best route to finding relief from heartburn is to use the proper medications and make some lifestyle changes. If you find that you are experiencing acid reflux more than twice a week, you should consult your doctor to avoid developing GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The price of overindulgence is too high when it comes to heartburn.
written by, Joy Seeman
© 2009 H.I.C
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Sources:
Heartburn. (2009, June 23). Retrieved November 16, 2009, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). (2007, May). Retrieved November 16, 2009, from National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC): http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov
Heartburn/GERD Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2009, from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com
