How to treat heartburn and what causes it. Heartburn. Causes, diseases that cause heartburn, modern treatment, heartburn during pregnancy. Folk remedies for heartburn

Almost every person is familiar with such an unpleasant condition as heartburn. A burning sensation in the sternum and throat is a typical sign of this phenomenon. The symptom does not pose a serious threat to life. But it can cause a lot of unpleasant sensations. It is not surprising that most people try to take any means to get rid of this condition. At the same time, without thinking at all about what causes heartburn.

Causes of heartburn

Unfortunately, this condition often indicates serious gastrointestinal pathologies. That is why doctors recommend not to fight the symptoms, but to find out what causes heartburn. After all, you can get rid of an unpleasant feeling only by curing the underlying problem.

There are many reasons for this phenomenon. Therefore, without a detailed examination, it is difficult to determine why heartburn occurs and how to treat it. But regardless of the source of this state, its mechanism is the same. The contents of the stomach are thrown into the esophagus.

If this condition occurs infrequently, doctors explain what causes heartburn as follows:

• consumption of alcohol, caffeine;
• binge eating;
• excessive addiction to spicy, fatty, rich foods;
• obesity;
• rapid absorption of food;
• physical inactivity;
• constipation;
• stress;
• tight clothing that compresses the intestines.

Some people experience individual reactions to certain foods. Heartburn often occurs after eating black bread, sour fruits, and dairy products. As a rule, this condition is short-lived.

Heartburn in pregnant women

Expectant mothers often encounter a similar phenomenon. It is especially pronounced in the first months of pregnancy. The reason for this condition is hidden in the increase in intra-abdominal pressure as a result of the growth of the uterus. In addition, the amount of progesterone in a woman’s body increases, which also provokes an unpleasant phenomenon.

For those expectant mothers who experience heartburn during pregnancy, doctors recommend following a diet that can alleviate this condition. To do this, a woman is recommended to exclude from her diet all foods that provoke unpleasant symptoms. This is coffee, pickled foods, soda. It is recommended to avoid fruits and vegetables that increase stomach acidity (tomatoes, cabbage).

In some pregnant women, this condition can be triggered by eating very hot or cold foods, boiled eggs, yeast bread, and fatty meats.

This is not the only reason why expectant mothers experience heartburn. Some women are prescribed certain antispasmodics if there is a threat of miscarriage. Such medications can also cause painful symptoms.

Heartburn is a sign of illness

Some people experience unpleasant discomfort very often. Such patients need to consult a doctor with the question: why does heartburn happen after eating? Indeed, often the source of such a condition is gastrointestinal diseases.

Sometimes the causes of heartburn are associated with the use of certain medications. Discomfort can be caused by:

• NSAIDs;
• medications that lower blood pressure;
• heart medications;
• drugs for bronchial asthma.

Frequently occurring symptoms may indicate serious pathologies:

• gastritis;
• ulcer;
• chronic cholecystitis;
• insufficiency of the esophageal sphincter;
• cholelithiasis;
• chronic pancreatitis;
• poisoning;
• stomach cancer.

That is why doctors advise initially to be examined and find out what causes heartburn.

Possible complications

It is very dangerous to ignore frequently recurring symptoms for a long time. Hydrochloric acid, which is thrown from the stomach into the esophagus, has a detrimental effect on it. As a result, inflammation of the mucous membrane occurs, which leads to the formation of ulcers. This pathology can penetrate the entire thickness of the wall and provoke a violation of the integrity of the esophagus.

A healed ulcer leaves behind a scar. It makes it difficult for food to pass through normally. Only surgical intervention can remove this obstacle.

To avoid unpleasant complications, symptoms such as heartburn should not be underestimated. Timely contact with doctors will protect you from such consequences.

Soda for heartburn

Many people get rid of discomfort using folk remedies. The most common and well known is the use of baking soda dissolved in water. However, this method is only allowed to be used occasionally. Doctors say that you can take no more than 200 g of soda solution per day.

Uncontrolled use of this drug is extremely harmful to the body and can lead to harmful consequences. Soda can indeed very quickly neutralize gastric juice, thereby relieving unpleasant symptoms. But unfortunately, only for a short time. After drinking a soda solution, a lot of hydrochloric acid is formed in the stomach, which not only irritates the walls. It increases its volume. There are cases where an overdose of such a drug led to stomach rupture.

In addition, frequent consumption of soda disrupts the acid-base balance. As a result of such exposure, extensive gastritis and ulcers can develop. Therefore, doctors strongly recommend not to suppress the unpleasant symptoms, but to find out why heartburn occurs and how to treat it. To do this, you should contact a gastroenterologist.

Treatment of heartburn

You should not deal with symptoms on your own if discomfort occurs frequently. Only a doctor can determine why heartburn occurs and how to treat it. After all, any medications only relieve the burning sensation, but do not eliminate the main problem. In most cases, heartburn completely disappears after the doctor selects the necessary medication.

To eliminate unpleasant symptoms, the following medications may be prescribed by your doctor:

• "Maalox";
• "Renny";
• "Almagel";
• "Phosphalugel".

Such drugs bind hydrochloric acid with magnesium and aluminum salts.

There are also more modern drugs. Their action is based not only on the binding of hydrochloric acid, but also on the formation of a gel film on the surface of the mucous membrane. These medications are called alginates.

Any of the drugs can be taken only after a doctor's prescription. For patients for whom drug therapy does not help get rid of heartburn, consultation with a psychotherapist is recommended. This specialist will help reduce the level of stressful situations.

A properly formulated diet and a competent approach to nutrition can often eliminate discomfort and pain in the esophagus.

Experienced specialists who understand what causes heartburn and how to treat it recommend adhering to the following rules:

1. You need to eat often (about 5-6 times), but little by little. This will prevent the stomach from stretching.
2. There is no need to rush while eating food. It is forbidden to swallow food in large pieces. Nutritionists recommend chewing food thoroughly and eating leisurely. Be sure to ensure that air does not enter the esophagus. Small meals will relieve you of hunger. Hydrochloric acid will be produced in smaller quantities.
3. It is useful to include low-fat protein products (hard-boiled eggs, boiled fish, meat), dairy products (butter, fermented baked milk, kefir, low-fat cheeses), whole grain bread, cereals in your diet.
4. Be sure to include foods rich in fiber and fiber into the diet (watermelons, apples, cabbage, fruits). Such products are excellent at absorbing nitrites. Namely, they often cause an attack of heartburn.

It is important to identify the food that triggers heartburn. As a rule, these are foods that cause an increase in acidity. This food must be avoided until complete recovery.

Nutritionists highlight the following list of foods that can provoke unwanted symptoms:

• black bread;
• alcohol;
• coffee Tea;
• soda;
• seasonings;
• marinades, pickles;
• rich broths;
• fried foods;
• mint drinks.

If you really want to eat something sweet, doctors recommend using natural fruit jelly instead of ice cream and chocolate.

It is important to remember about the healing power of ordinary water. For heartburn, it is simply necessary. Water can partially reduce the concentration of acid and wash it from the walls of the esophagus back into the stomach. Doctors recommend drinking at least 2 liters of liquid throughout the day.

Conclusion

You should not treat heartburn on your own. After all, this is not a disease, but a symptom. To prevent the development of serious pathologies, contact a gastroenterologist at the first sign. Do not forget that only an experienced specialist can determine the source causing unpleasant symptoms and prescribe the treatment you need.

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Causes of heartburn

Everyone knows the unpleasant burning sensation in the esophagus. Sometimes, when there is a burning sensation, the resulting pain radiates to the back, jaw, and arms. The number of people who regularly suffer from this disease is impressive and, according to various sources, reaches 60% of the population. Of course, many people do not know what heartburn is or how to treat it.

We'll tell you what heartburn is and how best to get rid of it, how to prevent it. Let's look at the main causes of heartburn.

Development mechanism

Why does heartburn occur? This question interests everyone who has ever encountered it. In most cases, its appearance is associated with the irritating effect of gastric juice on the gastric mucosa. Gastric juice enters the esophagus due to weakness of the cardiac sphincter. The latter is located in the place where the esophagus gradually passes into the stomach. Normally, the sphincter prevents the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Otherwise, the mucous membrane of this organ begins to become irritated.

If hydrochloric acid irritates the mucous membrane of the esophagus for a long time, the latter is seriously damaged. This leads to the fact that the esophagus cannot cope with its functions, causing swallowing to be impaired. In severe cases, this leads to sudden weight loss and dehydration, while the person cannot speak and avoids eating and drinking water.

“How can I tell if I have heartburn?” - many people ask. To answer this question, it is enough to learn about its symptoms and compare them with your feelings.

Does high acidity always lead to heartburn?

Sometimes people, not knowing why heartburn occurs, mistakenly believe that its cause is increased acidity. But it is not always the case. This symptom occurs with normal and even low acidity of gastric juice.

Why does heartburn occur if there is not much hydrochloric acid? The fact is that under conditions of reduced concentration of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice, pathogenic microorganisms multiply intensively. Their activity leads to the formation of lactic acid. In turn, it can cause a burning sensation in the chest.

Healthy people can also have this symptom. This is why heartburn occurs in those who do not complain of diseases of the digestive tract:

• consumption of poor quality and stale food;
• drinking large amounts of alcohol;
• constantly drinking excessive amounts of coffee, strong tea, carbonated water;
• food enriched with excessive amounts of salt and spices;
• smoking.

In all of these cases, this symptom is only situational. Constant heartburn, especially one lasting two weeks or more, is a sign of chronic pathology in the human body and a reason to consult a doctor.

Causes of heartburn

Those who have at least once encountered a similar problem know that it happens after eating certain foods. What could cause heartburn? Among the reasons:

What pathologies cause heartburn?

Many people do not know what causes heartburn and mistakenly believe that they are healthy. The cause of heartburn often lies in the development of gastrointestinal pathologies in a person. Here are the most common diseases:

1. Reflux esophagitis, as well as gastroesophageal hernia. These diseases occur together, making pain in the esophagus even more common. The development of such pathologies is caused by poor nutrition, excessive physical activity, constipation, and overeating. If a person often has heartburn, then its causes lie precisely in the insufficiency of the esophagogastric sphincter.
2. Stomach and duodenal ulcers. The causes of heartburn in this case are a change in the pH level of gastric juice, a decrease in the activity of the contractile function of the stomach, and stagnation of liquid contents. Along with the painful burning sensation in the chest, patients are often bothered by other unpleasant symptoms: belching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. These symptoms may appear at different periods of time. They often depend on food intake: pain in the stomach and esophagus occurs an hour to an hour and a half after eating or, conversely, on an empty stomach (so-called hunger pains).
3. Stomach surgery. Heartburn is often a symptom that appears after gastric resection. Often it occurs because there is not a lot of gastric juice, but, on the contrary, not enough or it is not produced at all.
4. Chronic gastritis. Unfortunately, many people, not knowing what causes heartburn, use all kinds of drugs that reduce the acidity of juice without a doctor’s permission. This cannot be done.
5. Coughing.
6. Constipation.

In addition, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and poisoning lead to such an unpleasant sensation. And if it comes suddenly, against the background of well-being, this indicates that you need to urgently consult a doctor. Sometimes a burning sensation in the chest can be a symptom of heart failure and even a heart attack. Without knowing what causes heartburn and how to get rid of it, you can seriously worsen your health.

How to treat the disease

The principles of treatment for heartburn are not complicated. Therapy is necessary in any case. It is very important that the patient follows all the recommendations of the attending physician. If you do not do this, complications may develop:

The most dangerous complication of an ulcer is its perforation. In such cases, doctors have only a few hours to save a person and prevent death. That is why treatment for heartburn should be carried out under the supervision of specialists.

Antacid medications have proven their effectiveness. They neutralize hydrochloric acid and protect the esophagus. However, the effectiveness of treatment for heartburn without taking coating agents will be much lower.

The soda treatment method does not need to be used often; it is permissible only in isolated cases. Such treatment for severe heartburn disrupts the water-salt balance in the body and additionally irritates the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach.

Sometimes heartburn is treated with the use of drugs that reduce the production of gastric juice. Such measures are effective provided that they are carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Self-treatment of heartburn with Omeprazole and Ranitidine can cause great harm.

Among traditional drugs, there are many that cause side effects. Before taking them, you should consult your doctor.

Can heartburn go away on its own?

In very rare cases, it can go away on its own, without taking medications. However, it usually requires help to get rid of it.

Much more often with heartburn there is excruciating pain, a feeling of bitterness and acidity in the mouth, and belching. And you need to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Even if it goes away quickly, this does not mean that everything is fine with your health.

About treatment with folk remedies

Folk remedies for this phenomenon also show their effectiveness. However, some patients, not knowing what heartburn is or how to get rid of it, begin to use all the recipes they can learn from their friends. This is, of course, unacceptable. All therapeutic measures must be carried out only with the permission of a doctor. Here are some remedies to help cure heartburn:

1. A decoction of dried cucumber (1 tablespoon per glass of water) is used several times a day after meals. Dosage - one tablespoon.
2. A mixture of plantain leaves and St. John's wort is poured with boiling water and left for several hours. The infusion is taken one tablespoon before meals three times a day.
3. An infusion of St. John's wort, yarrow and dried herb helps well with heartburn. A tablespoon of herbal mixture is poured into a liter of boiling water and left for two hours. Then the product is taken one tablespoon after meals.
4. 1 tbsp. A spoonful of centaury herb is brewed in 2 cups of boiling water. Consume after meals.

During the entire treatment period, you must follow a diet and quit smoking and alcohol.

Here are some emergency home remedies to get rid of a burning sensation in your chest:

• a teaspoon of vegetable oil usually quickly relieves the unpleasant sensation;
• ordinary seeds help many people, however, the effect does not come quickly;
• Warm milk and carrots relieve heartburn well and quickly;
• before meals you can drink a mixture of potato and carrot juice;
• calamus root (chopped, on the tip of a knife) quickly helps with such an unpleasant symptom (you need to fill it with water and then drink it);
• A decoction of mint, dill, and chamomile saves you from an unpleasant symptom.

Preventing heartburn

Knowing how heartburn occurs and how to get rid of it, you can prevent its occurrence. So, it cannot appear if you lead a healthy lifestyle. General recommendations for preventing this symptom are:

• regular meals;
• avoiding overeating and eating at night;
• fight against bad habits;
• regular examination by a doctor;
• exclusion of self-medication;
• eliminating foods that cause heartburn.

Compliance with such rules guarantees that there will be no heat in the chest. And to get rid of such an unpleasant feeling, it is very important to avoid emotional overload and anxiety. Even one week of calm and positive emotions means a lot and guarantees relief from the unpleasant burning sensation in the chest.

It’s clear why heartburn occurs. Knowledge about the causes and treatment, and careful attention to health will relieve such an unpleasant feeling.

1zhkt.ru

Why does heartburn occur and how to get rid of it

Heartburn is a feeling of discomfort, a burning sensation or heat behind the sternum, spreading from the epigastric (epigastric) region to the top of the esophagus.

Heartburn occurs immediately or some time after eating. This phenomenon is associated with the reflux of gastric contents (including gastric juice) from the stomach into the esophagus.

Heartburn symptoms

The most common symptoms of heartburn are:

• burning sensation in the throat, esophagus, or behind the breastbone;
• sour taste in the mouth;
• sour or bitter belching;
• feeling of fullness or lump;
• forced coughing.

Sometimes heartburn is accompanied by bloating, nausea, increased salivation, and pain in the epigastric region.

Attacks of heartburn occur periodically, often an hour after eating, especially if the food was spicy and plentiful. Some people experience heartburn during physical activity, lifting heavy objects, or when bending over or lying down.

Heartburn can occur with any acidity of gastric juice, but more often it occurs with increased acidity.

Heartburn is not an independent disease; it is a symptom that accompanies a number of diseases and conditions.

We list the main ones:

• gastritis (usually with high acidity);
• peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
• cholecystitis;
• diaphragmatic hernia;
• intolerance to certain nutrients;
• obesity;
• toxicosis of pregnant women.

Isolated, infrequent attacks of heartburn can also be experienced by healthy people if they do not adhere to a healthy lifestyle and do not eat properly.

Causes of heartburn in healthy people:

• low-quality products;
• spicy or sour foods (citrus fruits and their juices, tomatoes and tomato sauces, strawberries, onions, garlic, spices, fatty and overcooked foods, chocolate, freshly baked pastries, especially black bread);
• overeating (stretching of the walls of the stomach occurs, which provokes incomplete closure of the valves and the production of excess gastric juice);
• sweet carbonated drinks;
• strong tea and coffee;
• peppermint;
• smoking and alcoholic drinks (irritate the gastric mucosa, which leads to relaxation of the gastric valves and increased acidity of gastric juice);
• taking certain medications (for example: medications for hypertension, to relax smooth muscles, Ibuprofen, Ortofen, Diclofenac, Aspirin and some others) provokes increased secretion of gastric juice, increases its acidity and reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus;
• physical activity, lifting weights;
• wearing tight belts and corsets (intra-abdominal pressure increases and gastric juice reflux into the esophagus);
• sleeping or resting in a horizontal position after eating;
• neuropsychic disorders after eating;
• stress, neuroses, especially those accompanied by anxiety and fears.

Why does heartburn occur?

Between the esophagus and the stomach is the lower valve of the esophagus, which is formed by the orbicularis muscle. This valve acts as an entrance "tourniquet", allowing food to pass from the esophagus to the stomach, but not allowing it to pass in the opposite direction (from the stomach to the esophagus). However, if the valve is weakened, the acidic contents of the stomach can rise into the esophagus, irritating its sensitive tissues, which causes a burning sensation, a feeling of bitterness and acidity and other unpleasant sensations, that is, heartburn. When the lower esophageal valve is insufficient, so-called retrosternal heartburn occurs. This type of heartburn usually occurs after eating, in a horizontal position and when bending deeply.

Pharyngeal heartburn is also identified. With it, people feel a burning sensation in the throat. This burn indicates weakness of both the lower and upper alimentary sphincter (valve).

Another type of heartburn is epigastric heartburn, that is, a burning sensation appears in the stomach area (in the epigastric region). This heartburn usually occurs when the contents of the duodenum reflux into the stomach, with weakness of the pylorus of the stomach.

Usually, to stop an attack of heartburn, it is enough to drink water or relieve the attack by taking some antacid drug (Rennie, Maalox, etc.). If you experience heartburn regularly or have attacks quite often (more than three times a week), this indicates that you have some kind of gastrointestinal disease. In this case, the help of a doctor is necessary. After examination and diagnosis, you will be prescribed treatment appropriate to your disease. Remember that heartburn can be a symptom of a serious illness.

How to get rid of heartburn?

First of all, you need to properly organize your nutrition and follow a diet.

If you notice that an attack of heartburn is associated with physical activity, bending over or lifting heavy objects, you should accordingly reconsider your physical activity and avoid such situations.

If you have gastroesophageal reflux, you need to sleep with the head of the bed raised (raise your mattress at the head end by 10 - 15 cm).

People who are overweight should try to reduce it, since obesity leads to increased intragastric pressure and affects the adequate functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Those who are forced to take medications that cause heartburn must follow the rules for taking these medications (they are indicated in the instructions).

A psychotherapist will help those who are susceptible to stress and neurosis.

Try to give up tobacco and alcohol consumption.

Avoid wearing tight clothing, tight belts and corsets.

Diet for heartburn

Try not to overeat. Eat small portions, but often (5-6 times a day). Eat food slowly, chewing it thoroughly. The last meal should be 3 – 4 hours before bedtime.

Keep hydrated. Drink 2 - 3 liters of water a day little by little, in small sips. The water should be warm, avoid cold and hot drinks.

Now let’s figure out which foods should be preferred for heartburn, and which ones should be avoided.

We exclude fried foods and give preference to boiled, baked and steamed dishes.

You can eat vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, peas and lentils.

Include foods containing complex carbohydrates in your menu (corn or bran bread, brown rice, durum wheat pasta).

The diet should include dairy products (low-fat cheeses, low-fat cottage cheese and sour cream and dishes made from them), fish, lean meat, soft-boiled and hard-boiled eggs, various porridges (semolina, oatmeal, buckwheat, rice).

Suitable fruits include bananas, sour apples, pears, papaya and persimmons.

It is preferable to drink non-acidic fruit and berry compotes and still mineral water (preferably alkaline).

Foods that cause heartburn:

• everything fatty, fried, salted, pickled and spicy;
• fatty dairy products (kefir, sour cream, cottage cheese);
• citrus fruits and other sour fruits and berries;
• tomatoes, tomato juice and tomato paste;
• fresh baked goods, confectionery;
• chocolate;
• strong tea and coffee;
• spices and seasonings;
• alcoholic drinks;
• carbonated drinks.

Listen to your body and it will tell you which foods cause heartburn.

Medicines for heartburn

You can use medications for heartburn. Their selection in pharmacies is now quite large. The most popular of them are antacids - drugs that neutralize gastric acid. These drugs do not disturb the acid-base balance and are not absorbed into the blood. They have an enveloping effect and quite effectively relieve an attack of heartburn.

I will briefly tell you about some of them.

Rennie is a drug that will relieve you of heartburn within 3 to 5 minutes by neutralizing hydrochloric acid and turning it into water. Its active components are magnesium and calcium carbonate, which, under the influence of acid, form water-soluble magnesium and calcium salts, increasing the formation of protective gastric mucus.

Pregnant women should not abuse this drug, as the calcium it contains can cause ossification of the fetal skull bones.

Maalox is a drug that has an absorbent and enveloping effect. It absorbs excess gas and acid, relieves burning sensation and pain in the upper areas of the digestive tract. The effect of Maalox lasts several hours.

Almagel - acts for a long time, regulating the acidity of hydrochloric acid. After taking the drug, carbon dioxide is not formed, so the repeated release of large amounts of hydrochloric acid is excluded.

Gaviscon - the active ingredient of this drug, when it enters the stomach, interacts with gastric juice and forms a specific gel that reduces acidity, envelops the gastric mucosa and relieves burning sensation.

But we should not forget about the side effects of these drugs: constipation, diarrhea and other unpleasant consequences. In addition, they flush calcium from the body.

Among the drugs of other groups, it is worth highlighting such as Ranitidine, Omeprozole (or Omez), Famotidine and Laxoprazole, which are prescribed in cases where antacids are ineffective.

For heartburn, you can use homeopathic remedies, for example: Nuxovica, Pulsatilla, Caustic, which will reduce bloating, belching, relieve spasms, and eliminate the metallic taste in the mouth.

There are also many folk remedies for heartburn, which you can read about here.

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What causes heartburn and how to get rid of it?

The manifestation of heartburn is considered not only one of the unpleasant sensations, but can be a sign of a dangerous disease. Heartburn is not a disease, but is considered an accompanying symptom. Heartburn is a burning or hot feeling in the chest that rises from the pit of the stomach along the esophagus.

Description

This uncomfortable sensation occurs spontaneously, in periods, often an hour after eating a large and spicy meal. But in some cases, physical activity can cause heartburn. Attacks of burning behind the sternum can be repeated frequently over a long period. A person gets used to them without paying attention, because this is not a threat to health, but simply a feeling of discomfort that can be removed with improvised means, and this may be the first sign of the existence of some pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. To relieve raging heartburn, you can drink a glass of water or take a drug that can neutralize the effects of acid.

It should be noted that there is a certain relationship between attacks of heartburn and damage to the mucous membrane of the esophagus. In addition to a burning sensation behind the sternum, a person may also feel discomfort in the throat. Before you take another medicine for heartburn, you still need to think about what is causing the discomfort. After all, having cured the underlying disease, the patient automatically gets rid of heartburn.

Causes

The main factor in the appearance of unpleasant sensations in the throat and chest is the reflux of acidic stomach contents up the esophagus. In rare cases, heartburn can be caused by overactive stomach function and contractions. If a person is in good health, the body itself will neutralize and return acid back to the stomach, but frequent attacks of heartburn over time will lead to the fact that the acid will undermine the ability of the esophagus to protect itself from it, and then the patient may develop gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Another cause of discomfort may be weakness of the muscles of the esophagus and the muscle ring; to treat this problem, medications are used that improve motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Signs of gastroesophagoreflux disease are: unpleasant sour and bitter sensation in the mouth, belching, vomiting, hiccups, problems swallowing food, chest pain. If attacks of heartburn recur more than twice a week, the patient is diagnosed with “chronic reflux.”

The causes of burning are considered to be increased acidity of the stomach, and in some cases, sensitivity of the mucous membrane of the stomach and esophagus with low acidity. In addition to pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, heartburn can also be triggered by stressful situations or neuropsychic disorders, especially after eating. Heartburn often appears in people who lead an unhealthy lifestyle and do not adhere to a balanced diet, because drinking carbonated and alcoholic drinks, smoking, and spicy seasonings lead to increased acid production and weakening of the gastric valve.

Products such as tomatoes, canned food, fresh baked goods, and citrus fruits provoke discomfort.

An interesting fact is that with excessive uncontrolled consumption of food, that is, with overeating, the walls of the stomach stretch, causing abundant release of acid.

The use of certain medications (acetylsalicylic acid, ortofen, ibuprofen-based drugs) for a long period can cause increased acid production, which is then thrown into the esophagus.

Some diseases that affect the stomach, duodenum, and gallbladder;

• stomach ulcer;
• gastritis with high acidity (characterized by severe heartburn that occurs after eating);
• disruptions in the contractile function of the intestines and stomach;
• bearing a child (especially with toxicosis at a late stage of pregnancy);
• cholecystitis;
• duodenitis;
• some stages of obesity.

All this can trigger seizures. In the case when discomfort occurs while lying down, the source of the problem may be the esophagus, and sour belching in combination with heartburn indicates the presence of gastritis or a stomach ulcer.

Constant heartburn, which bothers a person after eating, is a serious reason to consult a specialist - a gastroenterologist. In this case, self-medication is unacceptable.

Symptoms

Each disease that causes heartburn is characterized by its own symptoms:

• when chronic hyperacid gastritis occurs, heartburn can be triggered by the reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus, causing inflammation and irritation of its mucosa;
• heartburn is a constant companion of duodenitis, in addition, painful sensations occur that disappear over time, but burning and bloating remain, especially in cases where the patient stops adhering to the diet;
• in case of chronic cholecystitis, the constant feeling of heartburn is also accompanied by pain in the right hypochondrium, which manifests itself after shaking or eating fatty foods;
• in the presence of a stomach ulcer, heartburn and pain are constant companions of a person;
• for a hiatal hernia, the characteristic symptoms are pain in the heart area and heartburn, which occur when bending over and when a person lies, but as soon as he takes a vertical position, these symptoms disappear;
• during pregnancy, the cause of heartburn can be gastritis with high acidity;
• in case of indigestion, the walls of the gallbladder, intestines and stomach contract, which can provoke increased acid production, and this in turn causes discomfort in the stomach, heartburn, belching and nausea;

Treatment and prevention

Since heartburn is not a disease, but only a symptom, the underlying disease must be treated. The patient, first of all, must adjust his diet by excluding from it foods that cause heartburn; you can use slightly alkaline mineral waters for drinking.

In cases where attacks of heartburn are not associated with a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, you can try treatment using traditional medicine.

So, it is still better to prevent a disease than to treat it later.

The feeling of heartburn appears unexpectedly and, as a rule, is very painful. What causes heartburn, what provokes it, and what needs to be done to avoid its occurrence in the future will be described below. Heartburn is an unpleasant sensation that can lead to extremely serious consequences without treatment.

Heartburn can take a person by surprise

Symptoms

Heartburn is accompanied by a burning sensation and discomfort in the chest. This feeling intensifies when the body position changes: while bending or in a horizontal position. A person is also tormented by belching with a sour or even bitter aftertaste.

Why does heartburn happen? This is mainly due to improper and irrational nutrition. Normally, the contents of the stomach and hydrochloric acid never enter the esophagus, because between the stomach and the esophagus there is a sphincter that opens only when food enters the stomach. In some cases, the tone of this muscle is reduced, which leads to the flow of acidic juice into the esophagus. This is accompanied by an unpleasant burning sensation behind the sternum.

Sensations of burning and discomfort behind the sternum can be disguised as myocardial infarction, and vice versa, so an examination is necessary. There are often cases when a person thought that he was worried about heartburn, but in fact it turned out that he had suffered a micro-infarction. Almost the only difference between these two conditions will be pain in the left arm that accompanies a heart attack. Unfortunately, it does not always appear.

It must be remembered that a burning sensation is just a symptom and not an independent disease.

This is a sign that sometimes indicates serious damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Especially if heartburn bothers you regularly and on an ongoing basis. You need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

In addition to burning, there may also be a cough. At night, aspiration of stomach contents into the esophagus is possible, and this is also possible with severe intoxication. In such a situation, damage to the bronchial tree occurs, and aspiration pneumonia is likely to develop.

Main causes of heartburn

The main factor why heartburn occurs is a decrease in the tone of the gastroesophageal sphincter. It develops as a result of gastroesophageal reflux disease. This disease is characterized by the constant reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Acid and digestive enzymes irritate the esophageal mucosa. Heartburn that accompanies this disease worries a person almost constantly. And medications that could relieve discomfort only last a short time.

Also, a hiatal hernia disrupts the proper functioning of the digestive system and can cause stomach contents to leak into the esophagus, damaging the lining of the esophagus.

Increased acidity of gastric juice provokes the development of gastritis, and subsequently – gastric or duodenal ulcers. High acidity levels lead to heartburn. As you can see, it turns out to be a vicious circle, which can only be broken with proper treatment.

In men and women, heartburn can occur due to alcohol abuse. In a state of intoxication, all muscles in the body relax, which can also lead to leakage of gastric contents. This means that you need moderation in everything, including food.

What can cause heartburn?

In most cases, an unpleasant symptom appears due to certain products and violation of the rules of rational nutrition. Also, one of the reasons why heartburn occurs is uncontrolled use of medications.

• Wheat and corn grits.
• Mushrooms.

Mushrooms have an irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach

• Fatty meats: lamb, pork.
• Fast food is strictly prohibited.
• Spicy, exotic dishes. They have a strong irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, causing increased production of gastric juice, which leads to a worsening of the condition. Eating such dishes must be done with extreme caution.
• Raw vegetables and fruits, especially sour ones, also cabbage, garlic and onions. Why does heartburn appear in this case? This is primarily due to the fact that fiber contained in vegetables and fruits activates intestinal motility, increases the production of gastric juice, which, when the tone of the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus decreases, leads to heartburn.

Taking certain medications can cause a burning sensation in the chest. Sometimes it can occur after taking beta blockers, antidepressants, calcium channel blockers. If you suspect that your heartburn is related to the medications you are taking, be sure to consult a specialist. Antispasmodics cause additional relaxation of the sphincter separating the stomach and esophagus, which inevitably leads to the entry of gastric acid into the overlying esophagus.

Heartburn during pregnancy

Often, a woman may experience heartburn for the first time in her life during pregnancy. Most often it accompanies the second and third trimesters. The release of progesterone causes a decrease in the tone of the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach, its relaxation and, accordingly, the entry of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus. During pregnancy, intra-abdominal pressure increases, which can also cause unpleasant symptoms to appear.

One of the side effects of Utrozhestan is heartburn.

There are often cases when a pregnant woman is prescribed progesterone to reduce uterine hypertonicity. But we must not forget that the drug does not act locally. Being in the blood, it affects the entire body, hence the decrease in the tone of the muscle that protects the esophagus from the effects of acid. In this situation, it is clear what causes heartburn and what provokes it.

How you can help yourself if you suffer from heartburn

To relieve an attack of burning behind the sternum, you can use various remedies, including folk remedies.

The easiest way to prevent new attacks of heartburn is to adjust your diet and lifestyle:

• You need to eat fractionally, in small portions, 5-6 times a day.
• Avoid strenuous exercise after eating and do not lie down for at least half an hour after eating.
• Try not to wear tight, tight clothing or belts. Pregnant women should wear special, loose clothing so as not to increase the already constantly growing intra-abdominal pressure.
• Under no circumstances eat heavy, fatty foods at night. It promotes the active functioning of the digestive tract, increased production of bile and enzymes.
• Eliminate irritating foods: coffee, black tea, hot spices.
• It is better to sleep on your left side. This body position is considered the most physiological. This is especially important for pregnant women, because this position does not interfere with blood circulation in the placenta.

Medications

The above describes in detail what heartburn is and how to get rid of it, but medicinal methods were not described.

The main group of emergency medications are antacids.

Antacids in the form of suspensions

They have an enveloping effect, protecting the mucous membrane. They also neutralize hydrochloric acid, reducing its aggressive effects. An important property is fast action. This is why antacids help with heartburn attacks.

Bismuth preparations also neutralize acid and help relieve the condition of a person suffering from heartburn. Antisecretory drugs that reduce the production of gastric juice are useful. This is extremely important in order to comprehensively influence the problem.

The first group of drugs described includes Almagel and Gaviscon. They can quickly relieve the condition, stop an attack of heartburn and protect the mucous membrane of the esophagus. The second one is omeprazole. It is a proton pump inhibitor, which leads to a significant decrease in acidity levels. This helps relieve peptic ulcers, gastritis and get rid of heartburn.

Most people are familiar with a burning sensation behind the breastbone, called heartburn, that appears after eating and worsens when lying down. In most cases, it occurs occasionally, after errors in the diet, eating spicy, fatty and fried foods. But for some people, recurring heartburn can be a symptom of serious illness and lead to serious complications.

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is a very common symptom caused by acid reflux, a condition in which some stomach contents (including acid) back up into the esophagus, creating a burning pain in the chest just behind the breastbone. Persistent acid reflux that occurs more than twice a week leads to the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What causes heartburn?

The stomach contains a strong acid that aids digestion and protects the intestines from unwanted microorganisms. The gastric mucosa is adapted to this acid and is protected from its action. If there is a violation of the gastroesophageal sphincter, which prevents the exit of gastric contents into the esophagus, it regurgitates and causes symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn. From time to time, everyone may experience heartburn, which is often associated with certain foods or drinks that stimulate the production of acid in the stomach:

• spicy food;
• onions;
• citrus fruits;
• tomato products such as ketchup;
• fatty or fried foods;
• peppermint;
• chocolate;
• alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee.

Acid reflux that occurs almost every day and has other causes and risk factors is a sign of GERD. GERD can be found in patients of any age, and sometimes it has no apparent cause. Often the origin of heartburn is explained by lifestyle factors, but it can also have causes that cannot always be prevented.

Heartburn can occur with a diaphragmatic hernia, in which the upper part of the stomach penetrates through a hole in the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Acid reflux can sometimes be caused by pregnancy, as it causes increased pressure in the abdominal cavity. Other risk factors are easier to control and are often directly related to lifestyle or dietary modifications:

• Obesity.
• Smoking (active or passive).
• Consuming salt in large quantities.
• Small intake of dietary fiber.
• Low levels of exercise.
• Medicines including asthma medications, calcium channel blockers, antihistamines, painkillers, sedatives and antidepressants.

How does it manifest itself?

Heartburn is manifested by a burning sensation in the area behind the breastbone. It is worse when lying down or bending over. The burning sensation may last for several hours and worsens after eating. The burning sensation may spread upward to the neck and throat, as stomach contents can sometimes end up there, causing a bitter or sour taste. Heartburn is often accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Dry, persistent cough.
• Sore throat, hoarseness, or laryngitis.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Difficulty or pain in swallowing.
• Bad breath.
• Asthma attacks or recurring pneumonia.

You should consult a doctor if:

• Heartburn occurs more than 2 times a week.
• Symptoms are observed constantly, despite treatment at home.
• Having difficulty swallowing.
• The person suffers from nausea and vomiting.

Many parents don't know that babies and children can often experience heartburn. This is because their esophagus is shorter and narrower. Possible signs of heartburn in young children:

• Frequent regurgitation of food - observed immediately after feeding or within two hours after that.
• Frequent crying.
• Irritability.
• Bad breath.
• Bad dream.
• Arching of the back during or after feeding.
• Refusal to feed.

How is heartburn diagnosed?

The doctor determines the presence of heartburn based on the patient’s description of the complaints. To clarify its cause, you can do the following:

• endoscopy;
• biopsy (taking a tissue sample for laboratory testing);
• barium radiography (x-ray examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum after contrast);
• pH monitoring;
• tests for the presence of H. pylori (a microorganism that causes gastritis and peptic ulcers);
• measuring pressure in the esophagus.

Why is heartburn treatment necessary?

Persistent heartburn and acid reflux if left untreated can lead to severe complications, including an increased risk of cancer. Long-term exposure to stomach acid can damage the esophagus, leading to:

• esophagitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, which can cause bleeding and the formation of ulcers;
• narrowing of the esophagus - damage caused by stomach acid, leading to scarring and difficulty swallowing;
• Barrett's esophagus, a severe complication in which repeated exposure to acid leads to changes in the cells of the mucous membrane; it is considered a precancerous condition.

How to treat it?

Heartburn can be relieved with lifestyle changes, certain medications, or surgery. The choice of treatment method depends on the cause of its occurrence.

Drug treatment

There are three main groups of medications for the treatment of heartburn.

• Medicines that neutralize stomach acid (antacids) – These provide quick relief of symptoms but do not treat damage to the esophagus or prevent future heartburn. These products include Maalox, Almagel.
• Medicines that reduce acid production (H2 blockers) – their effects last longer than antacids. These include Ranitidine, Famotidine, Cimetidine. Side effects of these medications include headache, dizziness, diarrhea, skin rash, and fatigue.
• Drugs that block acid production are proton pump inhibitors, which help heal damaged esophagus. These drugs include Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole. Side effects of proton pump inhibitors include constipation, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, skin rash, headache, and poor health.

If, with heartburn and symptoms of GERD, the presence of H. pylori in the stomach is detected, such patients are given treatment aimed at eradicating this microorganism (including, in addition to PPIs, antibacterial drugs).

Surgery

In rare cases, when GERD is severe and cannot be treated with medication, surgery is performed to reduce the acid reflux that causes heartburn.

Alternative medicine

Anxiety and stress can worsen heartburn symptoms, which can be treated with alternative medicine. You can try:

• aromatherapy;
• light exercise (such as walking or cycling);
• hypnosis;
• listening to music;
• massage;
• relaxation techniques.

Preventing heartburn with lifestyle changes

Lifestyle plays an important role in the development of heartburn, so making lifestyle changes can prevent heartburn or relieve symptoms. For this you need:

• Avoid eating foods, drinks, or medications that are associated with heartburn.
• Eat in small portions.
• Do not lie down for 2 - 3 hours after eating.
• If you are obese or overweight, you need to reduce your weight to normal levels.
• Avoid increasing abdominal pressure (eg, wearing tight clothing or a belt, or doing squats).
• Stop smoking.
• Raise the head of the bed at night. You should not use pillows for this purpose - this will only worsen heartburn, as it can increase pressure in the abdominal cavity. It is better to place some kind of stands under the legs of the bed at the head of the bed for this purpose.

Patients can keep a diary, which should indicate the food they eat, exercise they do, and the presence of heartburn. This will help identify foods and activities that trigger your symptoms.

In recent years, more and more adults have been complaining of heartburn and belching. But such a problem is often taken lightly, considering it not to be terrible and quite amenable to treatment using folk methods. Experts believe that frequent heartburn can be a dangerous symptom of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract), which can lead a person to the operating table.

What is it and why does it happen?

Constant heartburn is characterized by discomfort, pain, burning in the esophagus and throat area after eating certain foods, physical activity, smoking, or drinking alcohol. Malaise can occur due to hidden pathologies, including neuropsychic ones. Pregnant women in late pregnancy and obese people also experience heartburn.

Under normal conditions, gastric juice is produced in the stomach. It consists half of hydrochloric acid, which helps digest food. Nature provides a barrier that protects the esophagus from gastric secretions - this is the sphincter. It is located at the transition of the esophagus to the stomach. When it malfunctions and has impaired tone, the contents of the stomach enter the esophageal mucosa, corroding sensitive tissues.

Inflammation gradually develops, which causes erosions, ulcers, and bleeding. Scarring of the ulcers occurs, but the next time hydrochloric acid hits them, the cells become rough and die, narrowing the esophagus. This makes it difficult to swallow large foods. Such a pathology can become an urgent indication for surgery and increases the risk of cancer of the digestive organs.

Common causes of illness include:

1. Spicy dishes, strong alcohol, coffee. They irritate the gastric mucosa, increasing acidity and relaxing the sphincter.
2. Addiction to citrus fruits, tomatoes, bananas, baked goods, meat. To digest heavy foods, the stomach produces more juice and acid levels increase. At the same time, it enters the esophagus, causing an unpleasant burning sensation.
3. Overeating stretches the stomach walls and increases the volume of acid.
4. Treatment with certain drugs provokes the secretion of juice and its reflux into the esophagus.
5. An attack of heartburn in adults can be caused by sleeping immediately after eating, irregular eating, tight clothing, improper fasting, and adherence to strict diets.
6. Stress, anxiety, and anxiety are also one of the causes of illness.

What diseases can cause heartburn

Heartburn with belching and pain should not be ignored, as its causes can be quite dangerous:

1. Peptic ulcer disease is a chronic pathology in which ulcers form in the stomach and duodenum.
2. A hiatal hernia manifests itself as pain after physical activity or heavy lifting.
3. Chronic gastritis, accompanied by belching, pain, burning as a result of the reflux of gastric juice onto the esophageal mucosa.
4. Cholecystitis is one of the severe complications of urolithiasis. It develops due to gastric secretions entering the bile ducts.
5. Reflux disease is a chronic pathology in which the sphincter does not close. Gastric juice is released into the esophagus up to 50 times a day, causing painful shock and a severe attack of heartburn.
6. Consequences of operations on the gastrointestinal tract.
7. Tumors of secretory cells.

Prolonged manifestation of the symptom, long-term development of the pathology entails other complications: repulsive bad breath, tooth sensitivity, hoarseness, dry cough, pneumonia.

How to relieve heartburn

If heartburn attacks occur constantly, you should seek medical help. Self-diagnosing and prescribing any medications is extremely dangerous. Incorrect treatment can aggravate the situation, mask the true cause of the disorder, and delay recovery. You can alleviate the condition by using herbal decoctions. They will improve overall well-being and help reduce acidity:

• 2 large spoons of chamomile are poured with boiling water and left for 2-3 hours. After straining, drink in small sips throughout the day. The therapeutic effect occurs if you drink at least 3 glasses per day.
• A small spoon of flax seeds is poured into ½ cup of boiling water and left for 12 hours. Before use, dilute with water and drink on an empty stomach for 2 weeks in a row. In order not to suffer from infusion and brewing, you can use another method. Grind the seeds, and during the next attack, pour warm water over them. Drink the medicine at the rate of a teaspoon of raw material per glass of liquid.
• Raw potato juice has a healing effect. Grate the potato, squeeze out the juice and drink immediately. After half an hour, the heartburn subsides. The therapeutic course is 10–14 days.
• Oats are an excellent remedy. It has a positive effect not only on the digestive organs, but also on the liver. The washed, dried grains are ground into powder. A large spoonful of raw materials is stirred in 2 cups of boiling water. Leave for 5-6 hours, strain and drink a quarter glass half an hour before the main meal.

How to relieve severe heartburn

There is not always time to prepare decoctions and infusions to eliminate severe heartburn. What to use in an emergency, for example, if a sign of burning in the esophagus appears at the workplace or while walking?

• If heartburn constantly bothers you, you need to have a bag of almonds with you. Nuts neutralize hydrochloric acid. The main thing is to chew them thoroughly and slowly. You should not use roasted, salted, chocolate-covered almonds, but raw ones.
• A few grains of barley or oats also quickly relieve heartburn. They need to be chewed, periodically swallowing saliva.

You cannot “quench” heartburn with soda or milk. Baking soda gives a temporary effect. The stomach begins to produce juice with double activity, and the malaise returns. Milk will contain animal proteins that stimulate acid secretion.

If you don’t trust “grandmother’s methods” or they don’t give a positive result, you can use modern antacid drugs. Any medications have their contraindications and side effects, so it is advisable to consult a specialist before starting treatment.

The most common drugs are:

• In addition to its antacid properties, Rennie has a gastroprotective effect. Once in the stomach cavity, its active components react with hydrochloric acid and neutralize it. Side effects include an allergic reaction, diarrhea, and a compensatory increase in acidity.
• Phosphalugel has an adsorbing, enveloping effect. Neutralizes acid and does not lead to its repeated enhanced synthesis. Cleanses the digestive tract of toxins, gases, microorganisms. Constipation is rarely noted as a side effect.
• Almagel reduces the level of acid in gastric juice and has a slight laxative effect. After taking the drug, flatulence and repeated release of acid do not occur. Side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, and drowsiness.
• Gaviscon reacts quickly with acid, prevents reflux (return of liquid), reduces irritation of the mucous membrane. Adverse reactions may result in allergies.
• Maalox has a gastroprotective, adsorbing effect. Permanently soothes pain in the upper esophagus. Long-term treatment with the drug causes phosphorus deficiency in the body.

Diet

Each person suffering from heartburn has their own “triggers” for an attack. Heartburn is mainly caused by:

• fatty foods;
• smoking;
• alcohol;
• strong coffee or tea;
• sweet;
• black chocolate.

If you have persistent heartburn, you should limit your consumption of:

• spicy, fried foods;
• pickles, marinades;
• baking;
• lemons, oranges, bananas;
• carbonated drinks with dyes.

Raw vegetables and fruits will contain organic acids that irritate the gastric mucosa and cause increased formation of hydrochloric acid. Therefore, you cannot use them in unlimited quantities.

Proper nutrition is the key to health. Steamed, boiled or baked dishes should be present on the table. In the menu you need to include:

• vegetables;
• pasta;
• cereals;
• low-fat lactic acid products;
• cheeses;
• lean varieties of meat and fish.

But dieting is not everything. Overeating or poor eating habits can cause heartburn. You should:

• eat small meals, 5-6 times a day;
• food should not be swallowed hastily, but chewed thoroughly;
• last meal 2 hours before going to bed;
• do not lie down after a heavy lunch or breakfast;
• observe the drinking regime. You need to drink 1.5 liters of water per day.

Prevention

To prevent burning, belching and pain in the chest area, you need to follow simple rules:

• drink still mineral water;
• eat small portions;
• When taking medications, follow the dosage and do not exceed the prescribed course of treatment;
• For heartburn caused by stress, consult a psychologist or neurologist.

If a burning sensation begins after eating certain foods, you need to keep a food diary. Write down a list of foods that provoke a negative gastrointestinal reaction and limit them in your diet.

When frequent heartburn occurs, you should not delay a visit to the doctor. He will refer you for examination, establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe competent treatment. When the true cause is eliminated, you can get rid of the accompanying symptoms, which include heartburn.

Heartburn may well ruin not only your general well-being, but also your mood, especially if it occurs unexpectedly and manifests itself quite strongly. It can develop in any person, regardless of age and gender. Quite often women experience heartburn, but it cannot be said that they have a predisposition to it, with the possible exception of expectant mothers. What can be the causes of heartburn in women?

Those people who have never experienced heartburn are, one might say, lucky. They do not know what it is, what causes it, and what unpleasant sensations a person may experience in this case. It’s not for nothing that heartburn received such a name - it is quite noticeable burning sensation in the throat or stomach. The reason for its occurrence from a physiological point of view is the active effect of gastric juice on the inner lining of the esophagus. Normally, it should not be inside this organ (only in the stomach), but when natural protection does not work for some reason, the juice is thrown into the esophagus and severely irritates the mucous membrane - a burning sensation appears.

Heartburn - what is it?

On a note! According to statistics, about 40% of people around the world constantly experience heartburn, regardless of age and gender. Only for some this is a temporary phenomenon, while others suffer from it constantly.

As a rule, heartburn appears quite often in people with diseases of the digestive system. However, in some cases it can ruin the life of a completely healthy person.

Symptoms

The main symptoms to make sure that we are talking about heartburn are discomfort and burning of varying intensity, a noticeable feeling of heat noted in the sternum and spreading to the upper part of the body, up to the throat area, that is, along the esophagus. Typically, these symptoms can be noted about an hour after eating, when bending over, or during intense physical activity. A person who decides to lie down for a while after eating can also feel the signs.

Usually, heartburn appears after some specific actions performed by a person, and not every day. But if its symptoms occur weekly and more than 3 times during this time, then the quality of life deteriorates significantly and in this case, identification of the causes and full treatment is required.

Main causes of heartburn

In general, despite a person’s gender, there are a number of reasons that can trigger heartburn. First of all, it is worth noting that this unpleasant sensation can occur in anyone, even a healthy person, after eating fatty, fried, smoked, spicy and other irritating foods. Also, the main cause is often common overeating or drinking alcohol.

As for diseases, most often heartburn is a concomitant symptom or side effect of:

• pancreatitis;
• gastritis;
• diseases of the intestinal tract;
• cholecystitis;
• operations on the stomach;
• poisoning;
• stomach cancer.

Attention! Most often, heartburn as a concomitant factor is observed in those who suffer from gastritis, cholecystitis, or hiatal hernia. However, if it bothers you constantly, and the person does not know about the presence of these diseases, then it is recommended to undergo an examination, since heartburn can also signal other, more serious pathologies.

Heartburn can often be caused by stress, unstable mental state, heart disease, and exacerbations of other diseases. It can occur at any time of the day or night.

The female body is unique and very different from the male body. This applies to the hormonal system, body structure, and a host of psychological aspects. Heartburn in women can occur for a variety of reasons, and it is not always a consequence of overeating or problems with the functioning of the digestive system.

Hormonal shifts

They may well cause heartburn, since hormones often have a relaxing effect on the protective valve at the lower end of the esophagus. Excess progesterone, which is often observed during pregnancy, can also cause this unpleasant sensation.

Also, the level of hormones in a woman’s body may change due to the use of oral contraceptives. They contain progesterone and estrogen and also easily provoke heartburn. By the way, such pills are also taken during hormone replacement therapy. Estrogen can increase the level of nitric oxide in the blood, which relaxes the sphincter muscles, and gastric juice enters the esophagus.

Overweight and obesity

Women who are prone to obesity often experience heartburn attacks. The fact is that the fatty layers that form around the organs can put strong pressure on the stomach. Moreover, the connection between excess weight and the occurrence of acid reflux in women is more acute than in men.

Attention! Incorrectly selected hormonal medications taken by a woman can cause weight gain.

Excess weight is another possible reason

Excess weight in most cases is formed due to poor nutrition or consumption of certain foods. Some of them can also cause heartburn. These include:

• tea and coffee;
• alcohol;
• dairy products;
• sour juices;
• fatty food;
• carbonated drinks containing sugar.

The stomach takes a long time to digest chocolate and dairy products, alcohol increases the production of stomach acid, and tea and coffee can relax the esophageal valve. The result is an attack of heartburn.

Heartburn during pregnancy

Expectant mothers often suffer from heartburn, especially those who are already pregnant. While carrying a baby, a woman’s body undergoes restructuring, the uterus increases in size and puts strong pressure on all organs, including the stomach. Thus, its contents are pushed towards the esophagus and can enter it.

On a note! In pregnant women, heartburn most often occurs in the third trimester and less often in the first.

Taking medications

In addition to contraceptives, a woman may be forced to take other medications. A number of them can easily provoke the development of heartburn. For example, drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin can cause it. There are also some medications that are used to treat osteoporosis that allow heartburn to develop.

A woman, as a rule, is very impressionable and quite often experiences various stresses related to work or family. It is worries, whether well-founded or groundless, that often cause heartburn. Science has already proven the connection between heartburn and stress, but how it works has not yet been figured out.

How to overcome heartburn?

Usually, dealing with heartburn is quite simple - it is recommended to drink some water and take a drug that neutralizes the acidity of the stomach.

Table. Medicines for the treatment of heartburn.

There are also a number of time-tested folk methods to combat heartburn. To help overcome this symptom:

• seeds;
• a teaspoon of vegetable oil;
• carrots or carrot juice mixed with potato juice in equal proportions and taken before meals;
• chamomile tea (2-3 tbsp per 1 glass of boiling water, then the mixture is infused for 20 minutes and filtered);
• flax seeds steamed with boiling water (1 tsp/0.5 cup of boiling water, infused for 10-12 hours and then brought to a volume of 1 cup with boiled water. The drink is taken daily for 2 weeks on an empty stomach);
• soda solution.

How to cope with heartburn during pregnancy?

Step 2. Meals should be frequent, but not plentiful (about 6 times during the day, caloric content of meals - no more than 400-600 kcal). Products such as chocolate, coffee, strong tea, hot peppers, soda, alcohol, etc. are excluded.

Step 3. Eating is done slowly and food is chewed thoroughly. This will make it easier for the stomach to digest it.

Step 4. You should not lie down immediately after eating. If it is necessary to lie down, then pillows are placed under the back so that the body is in a semi-sitting position.

Step 5. Pregnancy is not a reason to stay at home. Walks are organized daily and simple exercises are performed.

Step 6. If you need to bend over or pick something up from the floor, then at the moment of action, your knees bend, not your back. This will avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the stomach.

Step 7 The wardrobe also changes. Clothing should be loose and comfortable, not constricting the body.

Sleep on your left side

Video - Heartburn: causes and treatment

Heartburn in women, especially pregnant women, is quite common. However, it is easy to cope with if you follow all the above recommendations, lead a healthy lifestyle and be less nervous. read our article.