Contents
Heartburn is an extremely unpleasant sensation described by patients as burning “behind the sternum” in the esophagus. It is caused by the regression of gastric juice into the esophagus from the stomach, which is associated with the phenomenon and disease of the so-called gastroesophageal reflux.
Symptoms of heartburn
Pain can also radiate to other parts of the body, causing a feeling of pain in the jaw, larynx, throat or epigastrium. Most often, however, the pain is located at the level of the chest “behind the breastbone”.
Symptoms of heartburn are caused by a malfunction of the esophageal sphincter, which contracts abnormally, allowing food and gastric juice to flow back into the esophagus.
Heartburn in pregnancy
Pregnant women suffer from heartburn much more often due to hormonal fluctuations. Changes in the level of progesterone at the beginning of pregnancy affect the relaxation of the muscles of the digestive tract, including the lower esophageal sphincter. Later in pregnancy, the fetus and uterus begin to compress the stomach, which can also lead to heartburn.
When does heartburn occur?
Heartburn usually occurs after eating certain foods and drinks. These include products such as:
- Mint
- Cola colored drinks
- Other drinks containing caffeine, e.g. energy drinks
- Coffee and tea
- Chocolate
- Tomatoes and citrus fruits and juices from these vegetables and fruits
- Spicy strong spices, e.g. red hot pepper
- Very fatty foods
When to see a doctor?
If the symptoms of heartburn worsen and/or other symptoms occur, it is worth thinking about visiting a doctor. The causes of heartburn can also be: increased pressure in the abdominal cavity, significant overweight, irritation of the esophagus, esophageal hernia, salivary deficiency, scleroderma and other diseases or conditions that should be detected and treated appropriately.
How to treat heartburn? 5 ways
- You can get rid of the symptoms of heartburn by lying down and lifting your head up. This method has been clinically tested, but unfortunately not in randomized trials. However, it brings relief to many patients.
- Foods that can cause heartburn should be avoided. Their list is above. Especially they should not be taken before bedtime.
- It is worth going to the doctor who, after examining the sick person, should prescribe medication to neutralize the acidic gastric juices returning to the esophagus.
- The tablets prescribed by the doctor should be used up to several times a day, e.g. before eating, which may trigger an attack of heartburn. Drugs of this type can work after about 30 minutes to as much as 12 hours.
- Therapy by drinking milk and similar milk products should not be used. The effect is immediate and drinking milk brings relief, but only for a short time. In the long term, milk only increases the production of stomach acid even more.