Heartburn is an ailment that actually is not related with the heart. It has got such a name because it causes a burning feeling in the breastbone which is located close to the heart. Additionally, some of the cardiac diseases have similar symptoms like heartburn.
A person suffers from heartburn when his stomach makes the acid flow back to the oesophagus. The medical community terms this disease as reflux disease. It mainly happens in the elderly people. Particularly people who are obese, eats too much and smoke are more prone to this ailment.
Causes of Heartburn
The stomach in the human body resists the gastric acid from leaving the place. A valve that resides on the top of the stomach achieves this. In case the valve malfunctions or the stomach faces excess pressure it forces the acid upwards and this irritates the delicate lining of the gullet. The pain which is usually felt in the esophagus can often extend up to the throat or neck of a person. It may lead to persistent cough in some cases.
Heartburn Symptoms
The most prevalent symptoms of Heartburn are scorching sensation behind the region of breastbone and an acidic taste at the rear part of the throat. The signs of the ailment can begin after taking a meal and can become severe if the person lie flat or bend over something. People suffering from this menace may face problems in coughing or eating foods.
Heartburn Cures
A person suffering from heartburn can elevate the head of his bed. He should also take low fat drinks and milk. The medication for heartburn usually involves the application of antacids, H2-receptor antagonists, sodium bicarbonate, Alginates, Proton-pump inhibitors etc. The antacids effectively defuse the surplus acids in stomach. Hence the effect of neutralized acid on the esophagus is much less severe. The solution of Sodium bicarbonate provides a harmless relief to the pangs of heart burn. However, the consumption of excess sodium can increase the blood pressure in the body. The H2 Blockers on the other hand, work by reducing the quantity of the acid made by the stomach. They start working after getting absorbed in the blood stream.
Therefore, the H2 Blockers can take some time before they counter the pains of heartburn. They are more of a preventive measure than treatment. For treating people who show no improvement after the application of antacids or H2 Blockers, the PPIs or Proton-pump inhibitors are given. They obstruct the generation of acid in the stomach of the affected person. Even though they do not act fast, these inhibitors provide long relief. In some instances, the change of lifestyle and the forms of medication cannot solve the ailment. For treating such patients surgery is done to mend the stomach.
Advice
If a person faces the attack of Heartburn while lying down, he can try raising his upper body with the aid of pillows. Alternatively, he can spend some time sitting up in the bed. He should refrain from taking certain foods that help in opening the valve on the stomach. Before going to bed, foods like chamomile tea, peppermint and chocolate should not be taken. The person should not wear clothing that fit tightly on the abdomen region. Skin tight dresses can put pressure on the stomach and it sends the acid to the oesophagus.
Apart from applying the medications, it is imperative to check the diet of a person suffering from Heartburn to prevent its recurrence. It has been seen that an overwhelming majority of the people suffering from this ailment acquire it from certain type of foods. The studies show that the beverages with caffeine and fatty foods can lead to heartburn so they should be avoided. People suffering from the menace should try to maintain a balanced weight. Overeating is something they need to avoid at all costs. They need to get rid of the habits of consuming alcohol and smoking.
