Heartburn is associated
with gastroesophageal reflux disease. This is a condition where the acid from
the stomach will reflux back into the esophagus thus causing all kinds of
discomforts along with other complications.
Why
Does it Occur?
The main reason for
heartburn is the acids reflux back into the esophageal region thus bypassing
the sphincters or the valves. These sphincters have the specific purpose of
unidirectional flow which means the substance could pass only in one direction
but not the other way around. These sphincters will prevent the backflow if
there is any. But due to various reasons, these sphincters especially if lower
esophageal sphincter fails to function properly, then acids will reflux
back into the esophagus and will initiate the heartburn.
Symptoms
of Heartburn:
1. Pain and discomfort with burning sensation
radiating from upper abdomen to the sternum or the breastbone.
2. Nausea is associated with heartburn
sometimes.
3. Coughing is also not uncommon.
4. Difficulty in swallowing does occur in
heartburn
5. Persistent laryngitis is also another
symptom of heartburn.
6. Due to regurgitation of the acid of the
stomach, the taste of an acid is felt in the mouth.
Treatment
of Heartburn
1. Antacids are the over the counter medicines
which does help in preventing heartburn. They are quick acting, and though very
low lasting, they do provide an effective measure against mild heartburns.
2. There are H-2 receptor blockers which
reduce the secretion of acids in the stomach and thus prevent the heartburn to
a greater deal. They are slow acting medicines but their effects are much
longer than the antacids which are, on the other hand, quick acting yet low
lasting.
3. Proton pump inhibitors are stronger than
even H-2 receptor blockers and they are very much effective against heartburn.
But they do have side effects when used for a longer time which includes
hypomagnesemia, increased risks of fractures etc.
4. Surgery is also an option for severe cases
of heartburn.
Natural
Relief:
The natural
heartburn relief is procedures which you can do at home which could
yield good results over the time.
1. Since food plays a very important part in
heartburn, thus maintaining a diet will ensure that the frequency of heartburn
is as less frequent as less possible. RefluxMD has
recipes which you could use in order to have a proper diet against heartburn.
2. Avoid wearing tight clothes. The tight
clothes may compress the stomach thus increasing the pressure which could force
the acid reflux back in to the esophagus region.
3. Posture also could elevate heartburn.
Bending down, laying on the back thus increases the discomfort and the burning
sensation.
4. Elevating the upper body is crucial for
heartburn. Since elevating the upper body creates less tension in the stomach
region, hence there is less chance of acid reflux for the pressure alone.
5. Mix baking soda with water. Soda
neutralizes acids and hence, in case of mild heartburn, mixing baking soda with
water and drinking it could give some relief.
6. Apple cider vinegar has shown positive
effect in many cases of heartburn.
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