"Heartburn" For Dummies

What you need to know about Heartburn?

Heartburn is a common and uncomfortable condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is usually caused by acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat. In this article, we will discuss what heartburn is, its symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, and treatment options.

Overview

Heartburn is a common digestive disorder that affects people of all ages. It is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest and throat, which is often accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. The condition occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation.

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Normally, a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. However, when the LES is weakened or relaxed, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest and throat, which is often described as a feeling of discomfort or pressure. The pain can be severe and may be accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. Other symptoms of heartburn may include:

A feeling of fullness or bloating in the stomach

Belching or burping

Nausea or vomiting

Difficulty swallowing

Hoarseness or sore throat

Coughing or wheezing

What does heartburn feel like?

Heartburn is often described as a burning sensation in the chest and throat, which may also be accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. The pain can be severe and may radiate to the neck, jaw, or arms. Some people may also experience a feeling of fullness or pressure in the chest.

How is heartburn diagnosed?

Heartburn is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms reported by the patient. If you experience frequent or severe heartburn, your doctor may recommend additional tests to rule out other conditions. These tests may include:

Endoscopy: A procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the esophagus to examine the lining of the esophagus and stomach.

pH monitoring: A test in which a small tube is inserted through the nose and into the esophagus to measure the amount of acid reflux over a period of 24 hours.

Esophageal manometry: A test in which a thin, flexible tube is inserted through the nose and into the esophagus to measure the strength and coordination of the muscles in the esophagus.

Check if you have acid reflux

If you are unsure if your symptoms are due to acid reflux, there are several things you can do to check:

Keep a food diary: Write down what you eat and drink, as well as when you experience heartburn symptoms. This can help you identify any foods or drinks that may be triggering your symptoms.

Try over-the-counter antacids: Antacids can help neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn symptoms. If your symptoms improve after taking an antacid, it may be a sign that you have acid reflux.

Elevate your head while sleeping: If you experience heartburn at night, try elevating the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches. This can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus while you sleep.

Causes of heartburn and acid reflux

Heartburn is usually caused by acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. There are several factors that can contribute to acid reflux, including:A

Weakness or relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

Hiatal hernia, which occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity

Obesity or excess weight

Pregnancy

Smoking

Certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and muscle relaxants

Certain foods and drinks, such as tomato-based products, citrus fruits, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol

How you can ease heartburn and acid reflux yourself

There are several things you can do to ease heartburn and acid reflux symptoms at home, including:

Avoid trigger foods and drinks: Certain foods and drinks, such as spicy or fatty foods, citrus fruits, and alcohol, can trigger heartburn and acid reflux symptoms. Try to avoid these foods and drinks, or limit your intake.

Eat smaller meals: Eating large meals can increase pressure on the LES and cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.

Avoid lying down after meals: Lying down after eating can increase the risk of acid reflux. Try to stay upright for at least 2-3 hours after eating.

Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can increase pressure on the LES and cause acid reflux. Try to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.

Wear loose-fitting clothing: Tight clothing, especially around the waist, can increase pressure on the LES and cause acid reflux. Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid this.

Quit smoking: Smoking can weaken the LES and increase the risk of acid reflux. Quitting smoking can improve heartburn symptoms and overall health.

A pharmacist can help with heartburn and acid reflux

If you experience occasional heartburn or acid reflux, a pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter medications to help relieve your symptoms. These medications include:

Antacids: Antacids can help neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn symptoms. They are available in liquid or tablet form and can be taken as needed.

H2 blockers: H2 blockers, such as ranitidine and cimetidine, can help reduce the production of stomach acid and relieve heartburn symptoms. They are available in tablet form and can be taken as needed.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs, such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, can help reduce the production of stomach acid and relieve heartburn symptoms. They are available in tablet form and are taken once a day for several weeks.

It is important to talk to a pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medications, as they may interact with other medications you are taking or may not be suitable for your specific condition.

When to see a doctor

If you experience frequent or severe heartburn symptoms, you should see a doctor. They may recommend additional tests to rule out other conditions or may prescribe stronger medications to relieve your symptoms. You should also see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Difficulty swallowing

Unintentional weight loss

Chest pain or pressure

Shortness of breath

Bloody or black stools

These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition, such as GERD or Barrett's esophagus, and require immediate medical attention.

How can I prevent heartburn?

There are several things you can do to prevent heartburn and acid reflux, including:

Avoid trigger foods and drinks: Certain foods and drinks, such as spicy or fatty foods, citrus fruits, and alcohol, cantrigger heartburn and acid reflux. Try to avoid these foods and drinks, or limit your intake.

Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly: Eating too quickly or not chewing food properly can increase the risk of acid reflux. Take your time when eating and chew your food thoroughly.

Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can increase pressure on the LES and cause acid reflux. Try to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.

Elevate the head of your bed: Raising the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus while you sleep.

Don't eat before bedtime: Eating a large meal before bedtime can increase the risk of acid reflux. Try to avoid eating for at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.

Wear loose-fitting clothing: Tight clothing, especially around the waist, can increase pressure on the LES and cause acid reflux. Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid this.

Quit smoking: Smoking can weaken the LES and increase the risk of acid reflux. Quitting smoking can improve heartburn symptoms and overall health.

Risk factors

There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing heartburn and acid reflux, including:

Age: The risk of developing heartburn and acid reflux increases with age.

Obesity or excess weight: Excess weight can increase pressure on the LES and cause acid reflux.

Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can relax the LES and increase therisk of acid reflux.

Smoking: Smoking can weaken the LES and increase the risk of acid reflux.

Certain medications: Certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and muscle relaxants, can increase the risk of acid reflux.

Hiatal hernia: A hiatal hernia can increase the risk of acid reflux by allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.

Family history: People with a family history of heartburn and acid reflux may be more likely to develop the condition.

Complications

Untreated acid reflux can lead to complications such as:

Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus due to repeated exposure to stomach acid.

Barrett's esophagus: A condition in which the lining of the esophagus is damaged and replaced with abnormal cells, which can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

Esophageal stricture: A narrowing of the esophagus due to scar tissue, which can make it difficult to swallow.

Respiratory problems: Repeated exposure to stomach acid can irritate the lungs and cause breathing problems, such as asthma and pneumonia.

Do and not to do?

To ease heartburn and acid reflux symptoms, you

Here are some additional do's and don'ts for managing heartburn and acid reflux:

Do:

Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help reduce the risk of heartburn and acid reflux.

Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help reduce the risk of heartburn and acid reflux.

Take breaks while eating: Taking breaks while eating can help reduce the risk of overeating and increase digestion.

Keep a food diary: Keeping track of what you eat and drink can help identify trigger foods and drinks that cause heartburn and acid reflux.

Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of heartburn and acid reflux.

Don't:

Lie down after eating: Lying down after eating can increase the risk of acid reflux. Try to stay upright for at least 2-3 hours after eating.

Wear tight clothing: Tight-fitting clothing, especially around the waist, can increase pressure on the LES and cause acid reflux.

Smoke: Smoking can weaken the LES and increase the risk of heartburn and acid reflux.

Overeat: Eating large meals can increase pressure on the LES and cause acid reflux. Try to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.

Consume alcohol: Alcohol can relax the LES and increase the risk of heartburn and acid reflux. Try to limit your alcohol intake or avoid it altogether.

Treatment for heartburn and acid reflux from aGP

If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications do not relieve your heartburn and acid reflux symptoms, your doctor may recommend prescription medications or other treatments. These may include:

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs, such as esomeprazole and pantoprazole, can help reduce the production of stomach acid and relieve heartburn symptoms. They are available in tablet form and are taken once a day for several weeks.

H2 blockers: H2 blockers, such as famotidine and nizatidine, can help reduce the production of stomach acid and relieve heartburn symptoms. They are available in tablet form and can be taken as needed.

Prokinetics: Prokinetics, such as metoclopramide, can help strengthen the LES and improve digestion. They are available in tablet form and are taken before meals.

Surgery: In severe cases of acid reflux, surgery may be necessary to strengthen the LES or repair a hiatal hernia.

In conclusion, 

Heartburn is a common and uncomfortable condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is usually caused by acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest and throat, which may also be accompanied by other symptoms. If you experience frequent or severe heartburn symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to rule out other conditions and receive appropriate treatment. In addition, lifestyle changes, over-the-counter-medications, and prescription medications can help relieve heartburn and acid reflux symptoms. By following a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding trigger foods and drinks, and quitting smoking, you can reduce your risk of developing heartburn and acid reflux. With proper management and treatment, you can improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of complications associated with acid reflux.