Stop Heartburn -- Eating Without the Pain

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Pharmeceutical-Medical )



Heartburn – The Facts

Heartburn, also known as pyrosis, is a painful, burning sensation in the esophagus, just below the breastbone. This sensation of discomfort is caused by the regurgitation of stomach contents mainly gastric acid from the stomach up into the esophagus. The pain is felt in the chest and may radiate to the neck or throat. Asthma attacks may result from persistent heartburn.

Symptoms and Causes

The burning pain you feel is caused by the irritation of the esophagus. There is also that pronounced dryness that you feel at the back of the throat. Remember that symptoms tend to increase when you lie down or bend, so be sure to avoid doing any of that.

Specific foods are known to cause heartburn. Alcohol is a known culprit, as well as most caffeinated and carbonated drinks. Other potential heartburn inducers are spicy and fatty foods, citrus fruits and juices, and chocolate.

Treating Heartburn

To stop heartburn, mild sufferers are given antacids and acid blockers. Other effective treatments for heartburn are acid-blocking medications and proton-pump inhibitors, which are for more severe cases. Endoscopic surgery is a recommended treatment to stop heartburn if none of the medications are effective. You can also opt for natural cures for heartburn, just consult a reputable herbalist.

Prevention

Why suffer from acid heartburn when you can avoid it in the first place? Smokers and overweight people are more prone to heartburn, so if you belong to one or both of these categories, then seriously consider a healthier lifestyle. Midnight snacking? Experts say avoid eating just before bedtime -meaning, give your digestive system a rest! try wearing looser clothing around the waist. If you can, avoid taking aspirin adn other anti inflammatory medications

As with many health conditions, heartburn is avoidable. Just follow the above-mentioned advice. But if you are a constant sufferer, you might want to talk to your doctor about the problem; or simply take a serious look at your diet. Restricting some unhealthy food items in your diet may finally give you the relief you are looking for! Remember also that it’s not just what you eat but how and when you eat it, so eat wisely and eat right. That is the key to finally stop heartburn and a host of other potentially more serious health problems.


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