Introduction
Heartburn is a digestive problem that is created when stomach acid comes into contact with the lining of the esophagus, causing irritation. It has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the heart though the effect may be confused with heart pain and vice versa and is the most common sign of a disease called gastroesophageal reflux or acid reflux. It is frequently called acid indigestion and usually takes place after meals and is a daily occurrence for about ten percent of Americans and up to 50% of pregnant women.
Symptoms
Symptoms of acid indigestion and a heart attack may feel alike. One of the most common signs is spitting up. Heartburn symptoms are very uncomfortable and quite painful. However, many individuals will only undergo the milder symptoms. Pay attention and treat it, especially if you feel symptoms frequently. The good news is that making changes to certain dietary habits can go far in preventing acid indigestion and other symptoms of GERD.
Heartburn is normally easy to diagnose from the symptoms you describe to your MD. Should there be any question about the diagnosis, you may have the following exams to test for ulcers or other problems that might cause your symptoms: barium swallow x-ray examining of the esophagus, complete upper GI (gastrointestinal) barium x-ray study of the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine endoscopy: a technique in which a thin flexible tube with a tiny camera is placed in your mouth and down into your stomach so your MD can see your esophagus and stomach.
To help reduce the signs you can try not to put a lot of pressure on the sphincter muscle. Seek emergency help if the following occurs with the heartburn and do not stop within fifteen minutes of treatment: shortness of breath; sweating; weakness; or arm, back, or chest pain.
Foods
To minimize attacks, a person may find benefit in staying away from certain foods that relax the opening between the stomach and esophagus, including chocolate, peppermint, and chamomile tea shortly before bedtime. Restricting diet is very important, because 90-95% of sufferers of heartburn or esophageal disorder can link their symptoms to certain foods. If the person notices that certain foods tend to make the condition grow worse, or more frequent, they would be better served to avoid them, or at least speak to the physician about products that may help diminish the amount of stomach acid that can create acid reflux.
Conclusion
Heartburn usually is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the rise of stomach acid back up into the esophagus. Acid indigestion and reflux are very common, with ten percent of the population experiencing these symptoms at least one time a week and can be brought on or made worse by pregnancy and by many different drugs.
It is common ailment, and an occasional occurence is generally nothing to worry about. Relief in the form of milk can be effective and drinking a small quantity of milk regularly over a period of time can start to heal the effects as it moves acid back into the stomach.
A simple and relatively safe way to treat a one time heartburn is to consume a solution of a small amount of Sodium bicarbonate mixed with water, which quickly neutralizes the acid that creates the pain. Chewing gum can provide short-term relief by stimulating the production of saliva, which dilutes and flushes out stomach acid. When heartburn occurs often, however, or becomes severe, you should consult your health care provider.
Heartburn is a digestive problem that is created when stomach acid comes into contact with the lining of the esophagus, causing irritation. It has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the heart though the effect may be confused with heart pain and vice versa and is the most common sign of a disease called gastroesophageal reflux or acid reflux. It is frequently called acid indigestion and usually takes place after meals and is a daily occurrence for about ten percent of Americans and up to 50% of pregnant women.
Symptoms
Symptoms of acid indigestion and a heart attack may feel alike. One of the most common signs is spitting up. Heartburn symptoms are very uncomfortable and quite painful. However, many individuals will only undergo the milder symptoms. Pay attention and treat it, especially if you feel symptoms frequently. The good news is that making changes to certain dietary habits can go far in preventing acid indigestion and other symptoms of GERD.
Heartburn is normally easy to diagnose from the symptoms you describe to your MD. Should there be any question about the diagnosis, you may have the following exams to test for ulcers or other problems that might cause your symptoms: barium swallow x-ray examining of the esophagus, complete upper GI (gastrointestinal) barium x-ray study of the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine endoscopy: a technique in which a thin flexible tube with a tiny camera is placed in your mouth and down into your stomach so your MD can see your esophagus and stomach.
To help reduce the signs you can try not to put a lot of pressure on the sphincter muscle. Seek emergency help if the following occurs with the heartburn and do not stop within fifteen minutes of treatment: shortness of breath; sweating; weakness; or arm, back, or chest pain.
Foods
To minimize attacks, a person may find benefit in staying away from certain foods that relax the opening between the stomach and esophagus, including chocolate, peppermint, and chamomile tea shortly before bedtime. Restricting diet is very important, because 90-95% of sufferers of heartburn or esophageal disorder can link their symptoms to certain foods. If the person notices that certain foods tend to make the condition grow worse, or more frequent, they would be better served to avoid them, or at least speak to the physician about products that may help diminish the amount of stomach acid that can create acid reflux.
Conclusion
Heartburn usually is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the rise of stomach acid back up into the esophagus. Acid indigestion and reflux are very common, with ten percent of the population experiencing these symptoms at least one time a week and can be brought on or made worse by pregnancy and by many different drugs.
It is common ailment, and an occasional occurence is generally nothing to worry about. Relief in the form of milk can be effective and drinking a small quantity of milk regularly over a period of time can start to heal the effects as it moves acid back into the stomach.
A simple and relatively safe way to treat a one time heartburn is to consume a solution of a small amount of Sodium bicarbonate mixed with water, which quickly neutralizes the acid that creates the pain. Chewing gum can provide short-term relief by stimulating the production of saliva, which dilutes and flushes out stomach acid. When heartburn occurs often, however, or becomes severe, you should consult your health care provider.
About the Author:
Ricardo Henri is the owner of Natural Remedies,Treatments And Cures,a website containing extensive info about taking care of your own bodycontainingout depending on drugs and needless surgery. Subscribe to his monthly newsletter @ rapid natural cures or quick natural treatments
No comments:
Post a Comment