Heartburn is a symptom that occurs when stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus. This condition, called “gastroesophageal reflux” in the medical literature, occurs when stomach contents leak
Heartburn is a symptom that occurs when stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus. This condition, called “gastroesophageal reflux” in the medical literature, occurs when stomach contents leak back into the esophagus. Stomach acid irritates the lining of the esophagus, causing a burning, sore or uncomfortable feeling.
Heartburn is usually a symptom that occurs when stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus. This condition is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The main causes of heartburn can be:
Eating Habits: Overeating, consuming excessively fatty, spicy or acidic foods, and consuming trigger foods such as chocolate or caffeinated drinks can cause heartburn.
Obesity: Being overweight can put extra pressure on the stomach, making it easier for stomach contents to leak back into the esophagus.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and a growing uterus during pregnancy can increase the amount of stomach acid leaking back into the esophagus.
Smoking: Smoking can impair the function of the stomach valve, making it easier for stomach acid to leak into the esophagus.
Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol consumption can cause the stomach valve to relax, which can increase the amount of stomach contents that can leak back into the esophagus.
Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can increase the production of stomach acid and affect the function of the stomach valve, triggering heartburn.
Certain Medications: Certain medications can cause heartburn or worsen symptoms. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and calcium channel blockers can contribute to this condition.
Hernia: A hiatal hernia is a condition where the stomach valve slips through an opening in the esophagus and into the rib cage. This can lead to heartburn.
It is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause of heartburn and get the appropriate treatment. They can evaluate whether any health conditions are causing your heartburn symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Heartburn is a symptom that can manifest itself differently in different people. However, heartburn usually manifests itself with the following symptoms:
Chest Pain or Burning Sensation: This is the most common symptom. It can be felt as a burning or aching sensation in the chest and can sometimes be confused with the symptoms of a heart attack. However, heartburn is usually located behind the breastbone and feels more like a burning sensation rather than a squeezing sensation.
Heartburn or Acid Taste: A sour or acidic taste can occur in the mouth as a result of stomach contents leaking back into the esophagus.
Difficulty Swallowing or Pain: Difficulty swallowing or pain can be felt as a result of irritation of the esophagus.
Throat Irritation or Cough: Stomach acid leaking back into the esophagus can cause irritation and coughing in the back of the throat.
Hoarseness: Irritation in the throat due to heartburn can cause hoarseness.
Belching: Heartburn is often associated with burping.
Digestive Disorders or Indigestion: Heartburn is often associated with digestive problems and can cause a feeling of indigestion.
Waking Up at Night: Heartburn can often wake you up while lying down or lying down, which can affect your sleep patterns.
These symptoms are often associated with heartburn, but they can vary from person to person. If you experience recurring heartburn symptoms or if your symptoms are severely bothersome, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
Although heartburn is usually a temporary discomfort, there are several home remedies that can help relieve the symptoms. Here are some suggestions for relieving heartburn:
Eat Less Spicy and Acidic Foods: Spicy, oily, and acidic foods can increase heartburn. Avoiding or reducing these types of foods can help relieve heartburn.
Eat Smaller Portions: Avoid large meals and opt for smaller portions. Overeating can trigger heartburn.
Satisfy the Need to Burp: Burping after eating can prevent stomach contents from esophageal reflux. However, forcing it can increase stomach pressure, so it’s better to let it happen naturally.
Wait at least 2-3 hours before going to bed: Wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before going to bed. Eating right before bed can increase the risk of stomach contents refluxing into the esophagus.
Keep your head elevated: Keeping your head elevated in bed can prevent stomach contents from esophageal reflux.
Smoking and drinking less: Smoking and drinking alcohol can increase heartburn. Avoiding or reducing these habits can help relieve heartburn.
Use Relaxation Techniques: Stress and anxiety can trigger heartburn. Relaxation techniques, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help relieve heartburn.
Drink Some Herbal Teas: Herbal teas such as ginger, fennel, or chamomile can help relieve heartburn. However, it is important to consult your doctor before consuming these teas.
Heartburn is usually diagnosed by evaluating the symptoms and determining possible underlying causes. A doctor may follow the following steps to evaluate heartburn symptoms:
Taking the Patient’s Medical History: The doctor will take detailed information about the patient’s lifestyle, dietary habits, medication use, stress level, and other medical conditions. This information is important in understanding the causes of heartburn.
Physical Examination: The doctor will perform a physical examination to evaluate the patient’s general health. During the examination, tenderness or other symptoms in the abdominal area may be looked for.
Evaluating Symptoms: Your doctor will evaluate your heartburn symptoms and when they occur, how long they last, and how often they occur.
Lab Tests: Your doctor may order blood or urine tests as needed. These tests can help identify underlying medical conditions that may be causing your heartburn.
Imaging Tests: Your doctor may order imaging tests to help identify underlying causes of your heartburn. These tests may include an endoscopy, an X-ray of your stomach (Gastrografin or barium X-ray), and a gastric emptying test.
Reflex Test: In some cases, your doctor may order a reflex test to measure the amount of stomach contents that the patient feels when they reflux into your esophagus.
Exercise Test: Your doctor may evaluate your heartburn symptoms while you do a specific exercise, if necessary.
Heartburn is usually a temporary condition with mild symptoms and can usually be relieved with home treatments. However, if you have chronic heartburn or severe symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor. Here are some treatments for heartburn:
Antacids: Antacids help relieve heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. These medications are usually taken when symptoms start or after meals to relieve symptoms.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs treat heartburn by reducing the production of stomach acid. They are prescribed by your doctor and are usually used in cases of severe heartburn.
H2 Antagonists: H2 antagonist medications can help relieve heartburn by reducing the release of stomach acid. They are also available with a doctor’s prescription.
Prokinetic Medications: These medications speed up stomach emptying, preventing stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus and relieving heartburn.
Eating and Lifestyle Changes: Changing your eating habits and making certain lifestyle changes can help prevent heartburn or relieve symptoms. These include eating smaller portions, waiting at least 2-3 hours before going to bed, avoiding acidic and spicy foods, not drinking alcohol and smoking, reducing stress, and losing weight.
Herbal Remedies: Herbal teas such as ginger, chamomile tea, fennel, or peppermint may help relieve heartburn. However, it is important to consult your doctor before using herbal treatments.
Surgery: In cases of chronic GERD or other causes of heartburn, surgery may be necessary. This is usually necessary in rare cases and is recommended by your doctor.
