HEART BURN
Heartburn is a painful burning feeling in your chest or throat. It happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Pregnancy, certain foods, alcohol and some medications can bring on heartburn. Treating heartburn is important because over time reflux can damage the esophagus. Over-the-counter medicines may help. If the heartburn continues, you may need prescription medicines or surgery.
If you have heartburn more than twice a week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). With GERD, the muscles at the end of your esophagus do not close tightly enough. This allows contents of the stomach to back up, or reflux, into the esophagus and irritate it.
Several factors influence the occurrence and severity of gastroesophageal reflux and heartburn, including:
- The ability of the lower gastroesophageal sphincter muscle to open and close properly.
- The type and amount of stomach juices that are backed up into the esophagus.
- The clearing action of the esophagus.
- The neutralizing effect of saliva and other factors.
People experience GERD and heartburn in a variety of ways. Heartburn usually begins as a burning pain that starts behind the breastbone and radiates upward to the neck. Often there is a sensation of food coming back into the mouth, accompanied by an acid or bitter taste. Heartburn is sometimes called acid indigestion and usually occurs after meals.
Controlling Heartburn (Source: American Gastroenterological Association)
These recommendations may not apply to all individuals. Patients should keep a diary to help them better manage their symptoms. The listed items are common contributors but do not need to be changed unless proven to worsen symptoms in an individual. Discuss any concerns with your physician.
- Avoid food, beverages and medicines that affect the lower esophageal sphincter muscle action or irritate the lining of the esophagus, such as:
- Fried or fatty foods.
- Chocolate.
- Peppermint.
- Alcohol.
- Coffee (decaf too).
- Carbonated beverages.
- Ketchup and mustard.
- Vinegar.
- Tomato sauce.
- Citrus fruits or juices.
- Aspirin, anti-inflamatory and pain medications other than acetaminophen.
- Decrease the size of portions at mealtimes. Don’t overeat!
- Eat meals two to three hours before lying down.
- Elevate the head of the bed four to six inches using blocks or telephone books.
- If you are overweight, lose weight.
- Avoid situations that can increase the pressure on the abdomen, as they will cause more reflux. Try simple things like avoiding tight clothing or control top hosiery and body shapers. Less obvious causes include sit-ups, leg-lifts or abdominal crunches.
- Stop smoking, as cigarettes decrease the ability of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle to work properly.
For occasional heartburn, over-the-counter medicines taken as directed can be helpful in reducing symptoms. If prolonged or frequent use of nonprescription medicines (more than directed on the product) becomes necessary, or if they do not completely control symptoms, a gastroenterologist should be consulted.
If Your Symptoms Persist
People with severe esophageal reflux or heartburn symptoms unresponsive to the measures described above may need a more complete diagnostic evaluation. A variety of tests and procedures are currently used to further evaluate the patient with heartburn. Always check with your doctor if your symptoms are persisting or are getting worse.
(Sources: Medline Plus/ American Gastroenterological Association)
Heartburn (GERD): Your esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when a muscle at the end of your esophagus does not close properly. This allows stomach contents to leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus and irritate it.
You may feel a burning in the chest or throat called heartburn. Sometimes, you can taste stomach fluid in the back of the mouth. This is acid indigestion. If you have these symptoms more than twice a week, you may have GERD.
Heartburn (GERD) – and Body posture
Question: Does standing up after eating help prevent heartburn?
Answer: Standing or sitting up (as opposed to lying down) after eating can help keep the stomach contents from coming up the lining of the esophagus. If you suffer from heartburn that is due to “reflux”, there are a series of steps that your doctor or health care practitioner may recommend to reduce the “reflux”. These include:
- Elevation of the head of your bed on 6 inch blocks
- Avoid eating late evening meals or snacks
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid wearing corsets and tight clothing around your middle
- If you are overweight, begin a weight reduction program
- Avoid foods that tend to aggravate your condition
See Also:
GERD
