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HEARTBURN
What is Heartburn ?
Heartburn is not a disorder of the heart but of the digestive system. The disorder gets its name from the burning sensation behind the breastbone that occurs when acidic stomach juices wash up into the gullet(esophagus).In some cases, the pain is so intense that it is mistaken for a heart attack. However, if the pain is severe and the person has no history of heartburn or heart disease, it is best to play safe and get medical attention immediately.
SYMPTOMS
- Burning sensation in the upper abdomen that moves up into the middle of the chest behind the breastbone and sometimes travels up to the throat.The discomfort usually worsens when lying down or bending forward.
- Belching.
- Bitter or sour taste in the mouth.
- Attacks of stridor (noisy, high pitched, breathing sound caused by the narrowing of larynx or trachea)or choking sensation while asleep.
COMMON CAUSES
- Acidic digestive juices that are regurgitated(washed back)into the oesophagus due to:
- Overeating, bad eating habits like hurried eating, not chewing food well, eating high-fat or spicy food and chocolates.
- Smoking .
- Alcoholic and fizzy drinks, coffee, tea.
- Emotional stress.
- Certain medicines.
- Tight clothing around the abdomen(e.g., tight jeans and belts).
- Lying down, bending over, lifting heavy, and squatting after eating.
- Weakened muscle controlling the opening at the lower end of the esophagus.
- Hiatus hernia, in which part of the stomach juts into the chest cavity.
- Pregnancy.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Take antacids.
- Improve eating habits.
- Minimize intake of fatty food, spices, chocolates, alcoholic and fizzy drinks, coffee, and tea.
- Reduce weight.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid tight clothes that squeeze the abdomen.
- Avoid stress.
- Avoid medicines that cause heartburn.
- Do not lie down, bend over, squat, or lift heavy things immediately after eating.
- Elevate your upper body when sleeping.
- Consult a doctor if you experience the symptoms for the first time, particularly if the pain is severe and lasts for more than two minutes; when vomitus is coffee-ground in appearance or the condition recurs and there is little improvement after two weeks despite the above treatment.
WHAT YOUR DOCTOR/PHARMACIST CAN DO FOR YOU
- Determine the cause of the symptoms and rule out more serious causes.
- Prescribe stronger antacids or other medications.
- Take X-rays or arrange for endoscopy to check for hiatus hernia or ulcers.
- Perform surgery to correct hiatus hernia, if necessary.
PREVENTION TIPS
- Take small meals, eat slowly, and chew your food well.
- Eat a balanced diet with a low fat content.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Minimize your intake of alcoholic and fizzy drinks, coffee, and tea.
- Do not smoke.
- Avoid tight clothes that squeeze the abdomen.
- Avoid stress/learn how to deal with stress.
- Do not lie down, bend over, squat, or lift heavy things immediately after eating.
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