subject: Understanding What Is Heartburn [print this page] Some people call it dyspepsia while some others call it by a different name but for the majority of the people who suffer through it, it's called by it's common name:heartburn. Whatever term you refer to it as the results are the same - it's a pain behind the breastbone. It almost feels like the heart is actually burning. As many as 42% of individuals living in American have dealt with the problem of heartburn at some time their life and almost 10% have to deal with it once a week. The fact that this terrible feeling of stomach acid rises up is a everyday experience doesn't bring any consolation to those who suffer through it.
Having heartburn can also make us nauseated and gassy. We fight to swallow, can't sleep because we feel even worse once we lay down.
For most individuals,, that pain in the chest is caused by gastric reflux,, by stomach acid flowing up the esophagus. But, in a small amount of individuals it could be a condition of a serious heart disease,, so it's crucial to get a correct health screening.
What Triggers Heartburn?
Food and liquid goes from our mouth to our stomachs by way of a digestive tract caled the esophagus. Between the esophagus and the stomach, there is a ring of muscles whose responsibility is to keep food and stomach acid in the stomach. But, when that valve becomes problematic or loose, what we 've consumed, combined with stomach acid, can flow up the esophagus, even up to the throat, causing that pain in the chest we know and hate. Acidic foods like orange juice and doing things like drinking alcohol will result in the loosen of the valve.
The Result of Having Constant Heartburn
Reoccurring chest pain from heartburn is the result of the valve between the stomach and the esophagus not closing because there's something wrong with it. This results in the development of a disease called Gastroesophageal reflux disease, (GERD). GERD can becontrolled with changes in ones' lifestyle. In most cases, just by making a few, easy-to-do changes tends to make our heartburn condition improve. By giving the esophagus a break, we allow it to get better and repair itself. The human body is known for its outstanding ability to treat itself. But, prolong GERD and heartburn will result in serious problems. The constant bombardment of stomach acid on the esophagus can cause it become inflamed to the point that ulcers will develop. A condition called Barrett's esophagus can be a serious consequence. It's when the structure of the esophagus starts to look like the intestines. This event may lead to cancer of the esophagus.
A Few Quick Answers
For individuals battling persistant heartburn, the trick is to determine what is triggering it. There are times when it's like whatever we eat can cause us to feel heartburn, but eventually through trial-and-error, we learn what causes our heartburn and what doesn't. Here are a few things that can be done to rectify heartburn incidences:
1) Frequently, foods that are acidic in nature like orange juice, ketchup, foods that are greasy or fried, chocolate, mints and alcohol are just a few examples that may leave you vulnerable to the plight of heartburn.
2) Eating smaller meals throughout the day is better than eating one huge meal.
3) Indulging in tobacco use causes the valve between the stomach and the esophagus to malfunction, so by not lighting up it will possibly prevent that heartburn from occurring.
4) Shedding excess weight may help too.
5) Getting something that will lift the bed up at a angle can help assure that stomach stays where it belongs: in the stomach. It isn't enough just to use just some extra pillows.
6) Exercising after enjoying a large meal isn't a smart idea.
7) Tight clothes can also initiate heartburn.
For more problematic or severe cases of heartburn, it's very important to see your physician, and will do a series of test to fiqure out the best course of action.
