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Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation in your chest, immediately beneath your breastbone. The pain is frequently stronger after eating, at night, or when lying down or leaning over.
Heartburn is prevalent but not cause for concern. Most people can relieve their heartburn symptoms on their own with lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter drugs.
Heartburn that is more frequent or interferes with your regular activities could be a sign of a more serious disease that necessitates medical attention.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HEARTBURN?
Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation behind your sternum, or breastbone, in the center of your chest. It may also be felt in your throat. You could also:
- When you bend over or lie down, you may experience soreness in your chest.
- Feel a scorching, acidic, bitter, or salty feeling in your throat?
- Having difficulty swallowing
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?
Seek emergency medical attention if you have significant chest pain or pressure, especially if it is accompanied by additional symptoms such as arm or jaw pain or difficulty breathing. Chest pain could be a sign of a heart attack.
Consult your doctor if:
- More than twice a week, you get heartburn.
- Despite the usage of over-the-counter drugs, symptoms continue.
- You are having difficulty swallowing.
- You are experiencing persistent nausea or vomiting.
- You are losing weight as a result of a lack of appetite or difficulties eating.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HEARTBURN?
When stomach acid backs up into the tube that transports food from your mouth to your stomach, it causes heartburn (esophagus).
When you swallow, the lower esophageal sphincter (a ring of muscle around the bottom of your esophagus) relaxes, allowing food and drink to flow down into your stomach. The muscle then tightens again.
If the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes or weakens abnormally, stomach acid can run back up into your esophagus and produce heartburn (acid reflux). When you're bent over or lying down, the acid backup may be worse.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR HEARTBURN?
Some meals and beverages can cause heartburn in some people, including:
- Foods that are spicy
- Onions
- Citrus products
- Chocolate
- alcoholic beverages, carbonated beverages, coffee and other caffeinated beverages
- Meals that are large or fatty
- Tomato condiments, such as ketchup
- Foods that are fatty or fried
- Peppermint
- Being overweight or pregnant might also raise your chances of getting heartburn.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF HEARTBURN?
Heartburn that occurs regularly and disrupts your routine is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD treatment may include prescription drugs as well as surgery or other procedures. GERD can severely damage your esophagus or cause precancerous alterations known as Barrett's esophagus.
HOW IS HEART BURN DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor may offer the following tests to evaluate if your heartburn is a GERD symptom:
- X-ray: to examine the structure and health of your esophagus and stomach
- Endoscopy: to examine your esophagus for abnormalities A biopsy (tissue sample) may be collected for analysis.
- Ambulatory acid probe tests: to determine when and how long stomach acid backs up into the esophagus An acid sensor implanted in your esophagus communicates with a small computer worn around your waist or on a strap over your shoulder.
- Esophageal motility testing: to assess esophageal movement and pressure
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR HEARTBURN?
Heartburn can be relieved by a variety of over-the-counter drugs. Among the alternatives are:
- Antacids: which aid in the neutralization of gastric acid Antacids may provide immediate relief. They cannot, however, repair esophageal damage caused by stomach acid.
- H-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs): it can lower stomach acid H2RAs do not work as rapidly as antacids, but they may provide longer-lasting relief.
- Proton pump inhibitors: lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR) and omeprazole (Nexium 24HR, Prilosec OTC), which can also lower stomach acid.
Consult your doctor if over-the-counter medications do not work or if you rely on them frequently. You may require prescription medication as well as more tests.
HOME REMEDIES FOR HEART BURNS
Changes in lifestyle can help relieve heartburn:
- Keep a healthy weight. Excess weight puts strain on your abdomen, forcing your stomach up and causing acid to back up into your esophagus.
- Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight, as this puts pressure on your abdomen and lower esophageal sphincter.
- Avoid foods that cause heartburn.
- After eating, avoid lying down. Wait at least three hours before proceeding.
- Avoid eating late at night.
- If you frequently get heartburn at night or while sleeping, raise the head of your bed. If that isn't an option, use a wedge between your mattress and box spring to raise your body from the waist up. Raising your head with more pillows is typically ineffective.
- Avoid smoking and drinking. Both smoking and drinking alcohol impair the function of the lower esophageal sphincter.
- Large meals should be avoided. Instead, spread out your meals throughout the day.