Heartburn (Gastro esophageal reflux disease)

 

What is Heartburn ?

Heartburn, Symptoms, Causes and Remedies

Heartburn sometimes referred to as acid reflux is a burning pain in the chest, just behind the breastbone. The pain is often worse when lying down or bending over or throat. Normally when you swallow, a band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into the stomach. Then the muscle tightens again. If the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus (acid reflux) and cause heartburn. In other words, heartburn occurs when acid, which normally resides in the stomach escapes back up into the oesophagus (food pipe). Because the oesophagus is not as well protected as the stomach the acid can irritate the lining which can cause painful symptoms that can last for a few minutes or a few hours. The condition is common and affects many people.Heartburn occurs more often in males and in people over the age of 40 years.
Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be a sign of Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

(Acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease are closely related, but the terms don't necessarily mean the same thing. Acid reflux is the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus while GERD, is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach. Someone can have GERD without having heartburn)

Symptoms of Heartburn

Symptoms of heartburn usually consist of a sensation of burning or discomfort after eating, located in the middle of the lower chest underneath the breastbone. Some people also experience a bitter or acidic taste in the back of the throat and feeling of sickness.
The discomfort may increase when bending over or lying flat on the back. Some people have difficulty swallowing or feeling like food is stuck in the lower esophagus while others may have a cough or respiratory discomfort (Some of these symptoms occur less frequently).

Causes of Heartburn

Heartburn and indigestion can tend to have similar triggers.

The Way You Eat

Eating large meals can cause the stomach to produce too much acid. Physically 'overfilling' the stomach can also create pressure and cause acid to escape.
Eating irregularly or too quickly can mean that acid levels in the stomach don't have time to regulate.
Eating on the run or just before bedtime can make it easier for acid to escape back up into the oesophagus (food pipe).

The Types of Food You Eat

Fatty foods tend to stay in the stomach for longer because fats are slower to digest.

Foods such as chocolate and mint may have a relaxant effect on the sphincter (ring of muscle) at the entrance to the stomach enabling acid to escape back up.

Spicy foods, onions and tomato products can also trigger heartburn.

The Types of Drinks You Drink

Caffeinated drinks & beverages,carbonated beverages and alcohol tend to increase acidity in the stomach.

Very hot drinks and citrus juices may also be triggers.

Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy.
The baby physically putting pressure on the woman's digestive tract.

Other known triggers include

· Stress.

· Some medicines, such as those for heart problems, asthma and high blood pressure.

· Being overweight.

· Wearing tight clothes which can put pressure on the stomach.

· Smoking can encourage acid production and cause the sphincter to relax.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies 

Lifestyle changes can help ease heartburn:

·Maintain a healthy weight (- exercise and dietary plans). Excess weight put pressure on the abdomen, pushing up the stomach and causing acid to back up into the esophagus.

· Avoid tight-fitting clothing, which puts pressure on the abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter.

· Avoid foods that trigger heartburn.

· Avoid lying down after a meal. Wait at least three hours.

·Avoid late meals.

.Sleep on the left side mostly because of the position of the stomach which is curved in on the left side. The food will and the stomach acids will settle down on the left.

· Elevate the head of the bed if you regularly experience heartburn at night or while trying to sleep. If that's not possible, insert a wedge between the mattress and box spring to elevate the body from the waist up. Raising the head with additional pillows usually isn't effective. 

· Avoid smoking. Smoking decreases the lower esophageal sphincter's ability to function properly.

Note:-

Chest pain may be a symptom of a heart attack. Seek immediate help if you experience severe chest pain or pressure, especially when combined with other signs and symptoms such as pain in the arm or jaw or difficulty breathing.