Heartburn, Causes, occurring, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment;
How heartburn occurs?
How to treat Heartburn?
Heartburn overview and events; the esophagus is an elastic tube,
connecting the mouth to the stomach. It is made of muscles that work to push
foods toward the stomach in rhythmic waves. Once in the stomach, food is
prevented from refluxing back into the esophagus, by special area of circular
muscle located at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, called lower
esophagus sphincter (LES). A pressure difference across the diaphragm, the flat
muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, tends to keep stomach
contents in the stomach.
Heartburn occurring:
The
stomach mixes and combines foods, acids, and enzymes together to start
digestion. There are special protective cells that line the stomach to prevent
the acid from causing inflammation. But the esophagus does not acquire the same
protection, therefore, when the stomach products reflux back into the
esophagus, they can cause inflammation to the lining.
Heartburn causes:
Heartburn
is a symptom of gastro esophageal reflux disease, known as GERD and is caused
by acid refluxing back into the esophagus. The risk factors are including the
increase production of acid in the stomach, as well as structural problems that
allow acid reflux into the esophagus. Some common foods, drinks, and
prescription medications stimulate and increase stomach acid secretion; this is
the main cause of heartburn. Among the irritants are:
1.
Alcohol, caffeine, aspirin, and anti-inflammatory medications.
2.
Carbonated beverages, and acidic juices like grapefruit, orange,
pineapple, acidic foods, such as tomatoes, grapefruits, oranges and chocolate.
3.
Smoking and consumption of high fat content foods tend to affect the
lower esophagus function causing it to relax and allow acid to reflux into the
esophagus.
4.
A hiatal hernia, in which a portion of the stomach lies in the chest
instead of the abdomen, can affect the way the lower esophagus works and it is
a risk factor for reflux.
5.
Pregnancy can cause increased pressure in the abdomen, which can affect
lower esophagus function and provoke to reflux.
6.
Obesity may also cause increased pressure in the abdomen, and thus
reflux in the same way.
7.
Primary diseases of esophagus can also present with heartburn as a
symptom.
Heartburn symptoms:
Heartburning is a symptom of gastro esophageal reflux disease GERD:
1.
As stomach acid refluxes up into esophagus and causes harmful pain.
2.
This pain can be felt as a burning sensation behind the sternum or
breastbone, either as a spasm or a sharp pain.
3.
Many times the pain of acid reflux can be mistaken for the pain of a
heart attack.
4.
The pain of acid reflux can remain in the lower chest or it can radiate
to the back of the throat and be associated with water brash, a sour taste in
the back of the throat.
5.
If there is acid reflux near the larynx in the throat, it may cause
coughing episodes or hoarseness.
6.
Reflux over prolonged periods, can be severe enough that acid wears away
the enamel on teeth and causes decay.
7.
Symptoms are often worsened after heavy meals, leaning forward, or lying
flat.
8.
Those affected may often awaken from sleep with heartburn.
9.
Heartburn is not without complications if ignored; recurrent irritation
and inflammation of the esophagus can lead to ulcers, which are small areas of
tissue breakdown, and these can cause serious bleeding, as well, scarring and
stricture are other significant complications of GERD.
10. Changes in the type of cells
lining the esophagus may result from acid reflux causing a condition known as
Barrett’s esophagus, which is associated with an increased risk of esophagus
cancer.
Heartburn diagnosis:
As
heartburn is a common complaint, though it can be confused with other chest
related illnesses, such as, heart attack, pulmonary embolus, pneumonia, and
chest wall pain. The diagnosis begins with a complete history and physical
examination. In some instances, further testing, like X-ray or other tests, may
be required.
Heartburn treatment:
Practice lifestyle changes, eat smaller, more frequent meals, avoid eating before
bedtime, avoid alcohol, aspirin, caffeine, rid of smoking, elevate the head of
the bed or use tow or more pillows to allow gravity to keep acid in the stomach
and avoid acid reflux. Taking antacids may be useful after meals, at bedtime or
when needed, to bind excess acid in the stomach and to coat the esophagus.
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