Heartburn: causes and prevention. Video
Heartburn, which manifests itself as a burning sensation in the esophagus, can occur even in apparently healthy people. In case of serious disturbances in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, it becomes a constant companion of a person, causing him serious discomfort. Reducing the frequency of attacks and even getting rid of heartburn is finally possible only by finding out the causes of its occurrence.
Heartburn: causes and prevention
The stomach and esophagus are separated from each other by the cardiac sphincter, consisting of muscle fibers, which is tightly closed after each meal. It is an obstacle for gastric contents, which, if it enters the esophagus, can damage its walls and mucous membrane. Very often, heartburn occurs due to insufficiency of this muscle or simply after a hearty meal.
Another reason for the occurrence of heartburn in the body is the increased acidity of gastric juice. This occurs with some diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, stomach ulcer) or with excessive use of certain foods. So, for example, heartburn can appear after a plate of boiled peas or from smoked, salty and spicy foods.
In the presence of gastrointestinal diseases, it is important to follow a diet that consists not only of refusing fatty, salty and spicy foods, but also of foods that change the acidity of gastric juice (sour fruits, broths, soda)
Heartburn can also occur when the hormonal levels in the body change. That is why a burning sensation in the esophagus often appears in pregnant women and persons suffering from disorders in the work of the endocrine system.
Most often, heartburn appears after half an hour or an hour after eating. Belching, nausea and other unpleasant sensations become its frequent companions. With frequent occurrence of burning attacks in the esophagus, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist so that he can help you draw up a suitable diet and prescribe a course of treatment. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the esophagus from constant contact with acidic gastric juice will become covered with ulcers. They not only cause excruciating chronic pain, but they can even cause severe bleeding.
Emergency help for heartburn
Heartburn can be treated with both medications and folk remedies. Among the first are antacids, which help neutralize hydrochloric acid, the main constituent of gastric juice. The most famous drugs from this group are: “Rennie”, “Almagel”, “Fosfalugel”, “Maalox”, however, the doctor may prescribe another, more appropriate drug in a particular case.
If heartburn is rare for you and there are no medicines at hand, you can drink a solution of baking soda (a teaspoon of powder in 200 ml of warm boiled water) or eat a plate of raw potatoes grated on a fine grater.
Eggshells also have a good effect in terms of treating heartburn, which must be crushed into powder and taken in the amount of half a teaspoon.