Heartburn is a symptom experienced when stomach acid makes its way up the oesophagus. The backing up of stomach acid into the food pipe causes acid reflux or GERD. These conditions can become life-threatening in the absence of proper treatment procedures. However, its symptoms may include a burning sensation in your chest, sour taste in your mouth, racing heart, or trouble swallowing. When heartburn becomes chronic, it may lead to ulcers. Moreover, it may also cause inflammation in your food pipe.
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a severe health issue. Under this state, stomach contents seep out into the oesophagus. Eventually, it results in chest pain. The lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) is an area of muscle. It locates at the bottom of your food pipe, which opens to allow food and liquid to pass into the stomach. Furthermore, LES closes to prevent these contents from flowing back up (refluxing) into the food pipe. For people with this disease, the sphincter doesn’t close properly. As a result, stomach acid and sometimes bile back up into the food pipe. When this happens, burning pain in the chest may radiate up to the neck and throat.
What are the symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
Some of the symptoms are-
- Burning pain in your chest. It can radiate up to your neck, throat, or jaw.
- Sour taste in your mouth.
- Difficulty swallowing. You may also feel like food is getting stuck or blocked in your throat.
- Belching.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
If you experience such symptoms, consult your doctor for effective acid reflux treatment.
What are the causes of heartburn?
Acid reflux occurs when the ring of muscle does not close properly. Usually, a ring of muscle at the bottom of your oesophagus acts like a valve. It closes tightly when the food reaches the stomach. Eventually, it keeps stomach contents where they belong. In people with gastroesophageal reflux disease, this valve relaxes when it should not.
What is the role of the stomach valve?
The LES is supposed to prevent the contents of the stomach. It includes acid and enzymes that digest food from refluxing into the esophagus. However, if the reverse happens, you might feel a sour or bitter taste in your mouth. At the same time, the presence of stomach contents in your food pipe can irritate and inflame the lining of your esophagus. Eventually, it causes heartburn symptoms.
Your doctor may conduct a diagnosis before prescribing you any remedy
What can trigger acid reflux?
The most common cause of this disease is the regurgitation of stomach acid into the oesophagus. The food you eat may cause this to happen. Other triggers can be lifestyle habits, diet, and medications.
Foods that can trigger this condition are-
- Chocolate
- Peppermint candy and gum
- Oily or fried foods such as French fries, fried chicken, or doughnuts
- Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks
- Some medicines for treating headaches, colds, allergies, and hay fever can also trigger Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Lying down shortly after eating, especially if you’re overweight
What medications can treat acid reflux?
Some drugs can help ease heartburn. However, it’s important to remember they are not cures. If you have been prescribed medicine, make sure to take them as directed by your doctor.
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Antacids
Antacids like Tums may relieve your symptoms. However, do not use them for a long period. If you use them for too long for your healing, they will stop working.
Medications that fight stomach acid directly, such as Zantac or Pepcid, can also help. They work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach drips into your oesophagus. Nevertheless, these tablets also cause some side effects. Talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks involved.
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Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
These drugs help treat moderate to severe symptoms. They stop acid production altogether. Moreover, PPIs include Prilosec and Prevacid. They stop acid production in your stomach. Eventually, PPIs can provide long-lasting relief.
Omeprazole 20mg
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H2 Blockers
These medications are also known as H2-receptor antagonists. This remedy reduces acid production in your stomach by blocking histamine. It is the chemical responsible for stimulating parietal cells to produce gastric acid. Moreover, common h2 blockers are cimetidine and famotidine.
These medicines work best when they are used every day for long periods. Moreover, they may also prevent future damage to your food pipe.
Do these drugs cause side effects?
Take antacids only when you suffer from heartburn on a very occasional basis. On the other hand, PPIs should be used under the supervision of your doctor.
Typical side effects of PPIs include-
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
These can also interact with other medications. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your doctor before using any drug for your healing.
In rare cases, H2 blockers may cause liver problems. Therefore, make sure you get checked for changes in your liver function as needed during treatment.
Lansoprazole 15mg
What foods can relieve acid reflux?
Some foods can give you quick relief from gastroesophageal reflux disease. Therefore, add the following foods to your diet-
- Bananas
- Almonds
- Watermelon
- Ginger Tea
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
- Baking Soda
- Aloe Vera Juice
How can you prevent heartburn?
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Avoid carbonated drinks
Drinking carbonated or caffeinated beverages may make acid reflux worse. Moreover, these drinks increase the production of stomach acid. Eventually, it causes discomfort. For that reason, avoid them to support your treatment.
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Do not eat late at night
Avoid eating heavy meals before bedtime. Eating earlier is one of the most effective ways to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. In addition, avoid lying down immediately after you eat. The combination of food in your stomach and gravity makes it almost impossible for food to remain where it should be.
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Exercise regularly
Exercise daily. It does not have to be for a long time either. Just fifteen minutes each day should be enough. Moreover, just getting moving can do wonders for your health. For that reason, it is a good idea to form a habit of exercising daily.
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Reduce stress
Stress is another factor that can cause heartburn. Therefore, be sure to relax as much as you can. You can also look for a way to manage your stress. Meditation is an excellent solution. Nevertheless, if you have trouble meditating, try doing some yoga. Going for a walk in the park may also help. In addition, getting over stress can help with your healing.
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Keep a check on your eating habits
Switch up your eating habits. Add more raw foods to your diet. Raw produce contains enzymes. They help break down food easier. Moreover, raw foods improve motility in the stomach. Eventually, you digest it better and get rid of acid reflux before it becomes a real problem.
