Understanding Heartburn: Causes, Treatment and Complications
Heartburn is caused by stomach acid irritating the esophagus, leading to a burning sensation in the upper abdomen. While it can be treated at home, frequent heartburn may indicate a more serious condition. Despite its name, heartburn is unrelated to the heart, though symptoms can mimic those of heart attack or heart failure.
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Get A Second OpinionCauses of Heart Burn
Heartburn occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus due to a malfunctioning or weak cardiac sphincter. This reflux irritates the esophagus, causing symptoms.
Certain foods and beverages can stimulate increased stomach acid secretion, leading to heartburn. Over-the-counter medications can also trigger this. Examples of these irritants include:
Smoking and fatty foods can relax the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), leading to acid reflux. Hiatal hernias and pregnancy can also affect LES function, while obesity increases abdominal pressure. Diseases like scleroderma and sarcoidosis may also cause heartburn.
Diagnosis of Heart Burn
Heartburn is a common complaint, although it can be confused with other chest-related illnesses, including:
- Myocardial infarction
- Pulmonary embolism
- Carbonated drinks
- Pneumonia
- Chest wall pain
Diagnosis starts with a thorough history and physical exam, often sufficient for initial treatment. Persistent heartburn may indicate GERD, requiring further evaluation.
But to find out how severe it is, they can run several tests, including:
- X-Ray: You drink a barium solution that coats your upper GI tract, allowing doctors to see defects.
- Endoscopy: A gastroenterologist uses a flexible endoscope with a camera to view the esophagus and stomach, identifying inflammation, ulcers, and obtaining biopsies to check for cancerous cells.
- Outpatient acid probe test (esophageal pH monitoring): An acid monitor on the esophagus measures acid reflux duration, connected to a small computer you wear.
- Esophageal motility (esophageal manometry): Pressure sensors measure esophageal pressure and movement, used when traditional treatments fail or symptoms are atypical.
Treatment of Heart Burn
Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor may offer treatments to reduce or eliminate symptoms. For occasional heartburn, options include antacids, H2-receptor antagonists like Pepcid, and proton pump inhibitors that block acid production.
- Antacids These medications decrease stomach acid and relieve heartburn pain. Sometimes, they can also help with stomach aches, indigestion, and gas.
- Acid blockers and proton pump inhibitors These drugs decrease the amount of acid your stomach makes. They can also ease the symptoms of acid indigestion.
- H-2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) which can reduce stomach acid. H2RAs do not work as quickly as antacids, but they can provide longer relief.
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Book an AppointmentComplications of Heart Burn
Occasionally, heartburn is not dangerous. But GERD can sometimes lead to severe problems, such as:
- A prolonged cough
- Laryngitis
- Inflammation or ulcers of the esophagus
- Trouble swallowing due to a narrow esophagus
- Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can increase your chances of getting cancer of the esophagus
When to Visit a Doctor?
Though common, heartburn can lead to serious health issues. You should contact your doctor if:
- Your heartburn persists or worsens.
- It is difficult or painful to swallow.
- Your heartburn causes vomiting.
- You've had significant and unexpected weight loss.
- You need over-the-counter antacids for more than two weeks.
- Prescription drugs don't alleviate your symptoms.
- You experience severe hoarseness or wheezing.
- Your discomfort interferes with daily activities.
- You have severe or crushing chest pain, shortness of breath, jaw pain, or arm pain.
Prevention of Heart Burn
Follow these tips to prevent heartburn:
- Avoid foods or activities that can cause your symptoms.
- You can also take over-the-counter medications, such as a chewable antacid tablet, before eating to prevent heartburn before symptoms start.
- Ginger snacks or ginger tea are also useful home remedies that you can buy in many stores.
- Live a healthy lifestyle and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
- Try to avoid snacking late at night. Instead, stop eating at least four hours before bed.
- Instead of two or three large meals, eat smaller meals more often to ease the impact on your digestive system.
- Eat small meals instead of big ones.
- Sitting upright for at least three hours after eating.
Home Remedies for Heartburn
If you experience occasional heartburn, there are several home remedies and lifestyle changes that can help ease your symptoms. Changes in your diet, such as keeping a healthy weight, will help reduce your symptoms. You should also avoid:
- Lying down after meals
- Using tobacco products
- Consuming chocolate
- Drinking alcohol
- Consuming caffeinated beverages
Certain foods can increase your chance of heartburn. These include:
- Carbonated drinks
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Mint
- Fried foods
Avoiding these foods can help reduce the frequency of heartburn you experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Drinking Water Help With Heartburn?
Frequent consumption of water can improve the digestion process and slow down the symptoms of GERD.
2. Does Coke Help Heartburn?
There is caffeine in coffee, tea, and soda, and this compound aggravates acid reflux. Switching to decaffeinated versions of these drinks can help minimize symptoms.
3. Is yogurt good for heartburn?
Popular over-the-counter NSAIDs include aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), and naproxen (Aleve). If you take an NSAID just for pain relief, expect to take a low dose for a limited time - usually until the pain goes away.
4. What diseases can cause pain in the feet?
Because of the probiotics that help normalize bowel function, yogurt that is not too acidic is also perfect for acid reflux. Yogurt also provides protein and soothes an upset stomach, often providing a refreshing sensation.
5. How do I stop heartburn asap?
To stop heartburn quickly, take an antacid to neutralize stomach acid and avoid trigger foods like spicy or fatty foods. Additionally, drinking a glass of water or chewing gum can help reduce acid reflux.
