Do You Suffer From Heart Burn?

Health Tip - Heartburn

What is Heartburn?

 Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest, just behind your breastbone.

Heartburn pain is often worse when lying down or bending over.

How does food affect Heartburn?

 Food that is swallowed travels from the mouth to the stomach through a hollow tube called the esophagus (food pipe). Before entering the stomach, food must pass through a tight muscle at the lower end of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (Les). The lower esophageal sphincter prevents food from traveling backward into the esophagus.

Once food is in the stomach, stomach acid digests the food. The problem comes if the lower esophageal sphincter does not close completely. When this occurs, heartburn may be experienced.

Heartburn Facts:

• 25 million adults suffer from heartburn on a daily basis.
• Experts estimate that 40% of adults experience heartburn monthly.
• Children and infants can experience heartburn symptoms
• Up to 89% of heartburn sufferers experience heartburn at night.
• 40-80% of pregnant women will suffer from heartburn.

     

What does Heartburn look like?

Symptoms of Heartburn

 Occasional heartburn is common and no cause for alarm. Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn on their own with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.

   

• A burning sensation in the chest;
• A burning feeling in the throat;
• Sour or bitter taste in the mouth;
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Chronic coughing;
• Wheezing or other asthma-like symptoms;

                                                     

• A burning pain in the chest that usually occurs after eating and may occur at night;
• Pain that worsens when lying down or bending.

The pain of Heartburn can often be confused with pain that is actually due to more serious heart problems, such as a heart attack.

Causes of Heartburn

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. 

Risk factors:

• Alcohol
• Black pepper
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Fatty food
• Fried food
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Onions
• Orange juice
• Peppermint
• Soft drinks
• Tomato sauce
• Vinegar

 

 Tests and Diagnosis for Heartburn:

• An X-ray of your upper digestive system;
• Passing a flexible tube down your throat;
• A test to monitor the amount of acid in your esophagus;
• A test to measure the movement of the esophagus. 

                                              

  Treatment for Heartburn:

• Antacids that neutralize stomach acid;
• Maalox
• Mylanta
• Tums
• Rolaids
• Medications to reduce acid production;
• Medications that block acid production and heal the esophagus.

                                           

Lifestyle and home remedies for Heartburn:

• Maintain a healthy weight; 
• Avoid large meals;
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing;
• Avoid foods and drinks that trigger heartburn;
• Avoid foods that damage the esophagus such as spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomato sauces;
• Avoid caffeine (coffee, teas, soft drinks);
• Avoid foods or drinks that reduce pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter such as chocolate, peppermint, caffeine-containing beverages, alcohol, and fatty or fried foods;
• Eat smaller meals;
• Don't lie down after a meal;
• Elevate the head of your bed;
• Don't smoke.

                                                   

Alternative medicine for Heartburn:

• Aromatherapy;
• Gentle exercise, such as walking or riding a bike, but avoid vigorous exercise, which can worsen heartburn;
• Hypnosis;
• Listening to music;
• Massage;
• Relaxation techniques, such as guided imagery.

    

When should you see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if you experience severe chest pain, especially when combined with other signs and symptoms such as:

•  Difficulty breathing or jaw or arm pain.
• Heartburn occurs more than twice a week
• Symptoms persist despite use of over-the-counter medications
• You have difficulty swallowing
• Throwing up blood or passing in the stools
• Chest pain
• Severe pain, dizziness, or light headedness
• Shortness of breath
• Dehydration
• Unintentional weight loss

  Remember anxiety and stress can worsen heartburn symptoms.


Information is Power! Use it

For more information go to www.Webmd.com, www.Stopheartburn.com, www.heartburn.about.com, www.mayoclinic.com, www.emedicinehealth.com, www.news-medical.net/health. 

Live well

Doc V