subject: Severe Heartburn and It's Causes [print this page] You are probably used to the infrequent heartburn episodes and popping the occasional antacid is doing just the trick. Lately, however, after adding a few extra pounds, your heartburn episodes become more frequent and the effects become more uncomfortable.
Aside from the usual burning sensation in the chest, other symptoms seem to manifest such as a sharp pain in the chest, a bitter or sour taste at the back of your mouth, difficulty swallowing, belching, wheezing, coughing and trouble sleeping a few times in a week. The few pounds you just gained may have been your ticket to severe heartburn.
Deceitful pleasures such as occasionally having a little too much to drink with your friends after work, celebrating in an all-you-can-eat restaurant or simply dozing off right after your hearty dinner may be causes of severe heartburn. Smoking and living a stressful life may also be factors that contribute to the severity of this disorder.
Heartburn is simply the effect of acid reflux. Once the stomach valve opens unexpectedly, it may cause some gastric acids to shoot up into the esophagus. Acid reflux is composed of hydrochloric acid, some pepsin and may also include bile. The bile and pepsin may incur minimal damage to the esophagus but what causes the pain most of all is the acid; most especially when it reaches the throat, it can damage the larynx and the teeth.
Severe heartburn should not be taken for granted. Heartburn occurrences that happen more than twice a week is something that you should pay attention to, if not be alarmed of. Heartburn may be a symptom for other disorders or diseases such as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
GERD is a disorder that is causes too much acid reflux. It is due to the "lazy" valve that covers the stomach or the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle. This valve opens more frequently in GERD patients. GERD patients who experience severe heartburn are usually overweight. Those who highly depend on or those who have high affinity to fast food are common targets. GERD may manifest as just heartburn but in some, it could be heartburn plus other symptoms.
Some ways on how to manage severe heartburn includes both medication and lifestyle changes. Maintaining or achieving a normal body weight must be given priority for GERD patients. Accompanying this lifestyle change is avoiding overeating. Consuming fatty and oily foods only aggravate the condition. The same goes for chocolates, sodas, peppermint and citrus juices. Sleeping habits must also be adjusted.
Avoid sleeping right after a meal and sleep with your upper body elevated to help avoid reflux. Medication includes drugs under the category of H2 blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors. H2 blockers slow down acid production in the stomach while PPI's stop production and may provide lasting relief and help avoid relapse. Both have over-the-counter kinds but it is still best to consult a doctor before taking in any drug.
Severe heartburn may not only cause GERD but also a variety of other complications such as esophageal cancer, tumors and bleeding. It is best to consult a physician and have yourself professionally diagnosed before making any conclusions.
