HEARTBURN (THAT BURNING SENSATION IN THE CHEST ALSO KNOWN AS PYROSIS, CARDIALGIA, ACID REFLUX): CAUSE, SYMPTOMS, MANAGEMENT/RELIEF, TREATMENT

OVERVIEW

 Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation felt inside the chest. Also known as Pyrosis, Cardialgia or Acid reflux, it is caused when the gastric acid (the acid in the stomach) flows back into the oesophagus Other heartburn symptoms include: cough, sore throat, hoarseness of voice and a sticky feeling in the throat when swallowing. Heartburn itself could be a symptom of other diseases such as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) and Ischemic heart disease. Simple measures for relieving heartburn include: Avoid eating in the night, weight loss, eating smaller meals, sleeping in a position that keeps your head higher than the rest of your body. Treatment of heartburn involve taking medications that reduce or block the production of excess stomach acids and the use of Antacids such as gelusil, rolaids etc

Hearburn: The burning sensation in the chest

The burning sensation is more significant when lying down or bending down and mostly just after eating or during sleep just after eating.

The name “Heartburn” is a misnomer; it has absolutely nothing to do with the heart. 

 CAUSE

Heartburn is a result of the gastric acid (the acid found in the stomach) flowing back into the oesophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach). Usually, when we swallow, the lower oesophageal muscle relaxes and opens up, allowing foods and drinks to enter into the stomach. After this entrance, the muscle immediately closes again, shutting out further movement. But when this muscle fails to close properly, the stomach acid then flows upwards. This flow is further increased when the person lies down or bends over because of the law of gravity.

Heartburn is caused when the stomach acid moves upwards into the oesophagus

*Another name for oesophagus is gullet*

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Heartburn could also be a symptom of other diseases such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Ischemic heart disease. Occasional occurrences of heartburn are normal, but when it becomes more frequent, you may need to be checked for any of the underlying diseases.

Other symptoms heartburn include: 

• Coughing

• Sore throat 

• Hoarseness of the voice 

• Sticky feeling in the throat when swallowing.

MANAGEMENT/RELIEF

Simple measures aimed at relieving heartburn are:

• Weight loss: fat people are more prone to heartburn due to much on the stomach

• Avoid eating late at night: Its best to eat at least 3hours before going to bed to ensure that every food particle enters into the stomach.

• Eating smaller meals

• Avoid smoking: This irritates the digestive system and can worsen heartburn

• Inclination of bed: Sleeping in a position that keeps your head higher than the rest of the   body helps improve heartburn

• Avoid certain foods: some foods and drinks can trigger heartburn. Its best to know your own triggers and avoid them if possible. Foods that can trigger heartburn include beans, tomatoes, chocolate, spices, alcohol etc.

TREATMENT

Medications used in the treatment of heartburn include:

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• Antacids: This provides rapid relief by neutralizing the stomach acid. However, its overuse can cause side effects such as diarrhea or constipation. Examples of antacids are Gelusils, rolaids, myalanta, and tums

• Medications that reduce the production of stomach acid: These medications are called H-2-blockers. They act more slowly, unlike antacids, but provides longer relief. Examples are cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine

• Medications that block the production of acid and heal the oesophagus: When the oesophagus becomes inflamed by the stomach acid, Proton pump inhibitors can be administered to block the production of more acid, allowing time for the inflamed oesophageal tissues to heal

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