It’s a horrible feeling when there’s a scorching sensation in the middle of your chest like that! Heartburn, commonly known as acid indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition that affects a significant number of people. Want to feel better? The following are some actions that may be taken immediately, as well as some strategies to stop it from occurring again.
What are the Roots of Heartburn?
When the digestive fluids in your stomach, which are usually acidic, splash up into your esophagus, which is the tube that connects your throat and stomach, you may get heartburn. Your esophagus does not have a particular lining as your stomach does, which protects it from the acids that are in your stomach. This may leave you with an unpleasant burning feeling in the chest as well as a sour taste in your mouth.
This may occur in certain individuals because the valve that separates the esophagus and the stomach (known as the lower esophageal sphincter) is not functioning as it should be. In a normal situation, the valve will close again after being opened. However, it is possible for it to become loose and not seal securely, which will allow digestive fluids to leak out of the stomach and into the esophagus.
Are There Certain People Who Experience Heartburn More Frequently?
Yes. There are a few items that have the potential to relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Among them include being overweight or obese, engaging in tobacco usage, and carrying a pregnancy (because of hormonal changes). Heartburn is another symptom that is more likely to appear if you have a hiatal hernia. There are also some drugs, including as NSAIDs, certain asthma treatments, calcium channel blockers, and tricyclic antidepressants, that might increase your risk.
What kinds of food seem to aggravate heartburn the most?
Certain meals and beverages encourage the production of more of those acidic fluids. These include beverages containing caffeine and carbonation, meals that are particularly spicy or fatty, chocolate, mint, tomatoes and goods containing tomatoes, and citrus fruits.
What Steps Can I Take to Avoid Getting Heartburn?
There are a few things you may do if you are suffering with heartburn, including the following:
Try not to eat too much. Instead, opt for eating many smaller meals throughout the day (every 2-3 hours). That sphincter may become more relaxed as a result of having a belly that is too filled.
Walk off your supper when you finish it. It’s possible that this will assist the liquids stay where they belong in the stomach longer.
Dinner shouldn’t be eaten too close to bedtime (or take an after-lunch nap). When you do go to sleep, consider sleeping with your head propped up. Allow gravity to provide a hand in preventing the stomach fluids from coming back up.
If I take medicine for my heartburn, will it make it worse?
Yes. It’s possible that antacids and other drugs can help ease the discomfort you’re experiencing. However, some of them might have an effect on the other drugs that you could be taking, so it is important to see your physician first.
Is It Dangerous to Have Heartburn?
Certainly not in every case. Regular, everyday heartburn isn’t dangerous, despite the fact that it may be excruciating at times. However, if you have heartburn on a regular basis, this might be an indication of a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which, if left untreated, can lead to more significant health issues. Therefore, you should see your physician, who may do tests to check for any harm.
Keep in mind, however, that heartburn may be a sign of other problems, such as an ulcer in the stomach or even a heart attack.
