Heart Burn
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.
Causes 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.
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Get A Second OpinionDiagnosis of Heart Burn
Heartburn is a common complaint, although it can confuse 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 to 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.
Complications of Heart Burn
Occasionally heartburn is not dangerous. But GERD can sometimes lead to serious 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. Chronic, severe heartburn is linked to esophageal inflammation and narrowing, breathing problems, chronic cough, GERD, and Barrett's esophagus, which can increase cancer risk.
You should contact your doctor if:
- Your heartburn will not go away
- Symptoms of heartburn become more severe or frequent
- It is difficult or painful to swallow
- Your heartburn makes you vomit
- You have had a substantial and unexpected weight loss
- You take over-the-counter antacids for more than two weeks (or longer than recommended on the label) and you still have heartburn symptoms
- You have symptoms of heartburn even after taking prescription drugs
- You have severe hoarseness or wheezing
- Your discomfort interferes with your lifestyle or daily activities
- Severe or crushing chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Jaw pain
- Arm pain
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Book an AppointmentPrevention 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
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
- use tobacco products
- consume chocolate
- to drink alcohol
- consumption of 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.
