Relevant answers to your frequent questions...

Heartburn: Frequently Asked Questions

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is an uncomfortable feeling that occurs when stomach contents, which are naturally acidic, move back up (or reflux) into the oesophagus. The lining of the oesophagus is sensitive to acid and this results in characteristic feelings of heartburn.
Heartburn gives a burning pain in the chest area. Sometimes it starts when you bend forward or lie down. It is sometimes mistaken for a more serious conditions such as pain due to heart disease.
Heartburn is that burning sensation you feel in your chest. No, it probably isn't a heart attack, although some people might think so. You should have your heartburn checked by a doctor especially if you get it often. Only your doctor can help you determine if you have a serious problem.
Heartburn is a burning sensation that rises from your stomach or lower chest up towards your throat. Occasionally it may feel like food is coming back up, and some people get an acid or bitter taste in the back of the mouth. Heartburn can last for several hours and is often worse after eating, or when lying down or bending over. Heartburn is the most common symptom of reflux. 1. Digestive Health Foundation, Gastroenterological Society Of Australia. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in Adults. Guidelines for Clinicians. ...
Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the breastbone which results from the reflux (back flow) of acid and other stomach contents from the stomach into the esophagus (swallowing tube). Normally, acid should remain in the stomach when a meal is eaten. Heartburn arises when the "valve" (called the lower esophageal sphincter) between the esophagus and the stomach relaxes abnormally.
Source: www.bmc.org

Heartburn?

Use antacids such as Maalox® as desired. You might also take an acid-blocker medication such as Zantac® or Tagament® for a couple of weeks until you no longer experience the symptoms. Back to Top
Source: www.tsfl.com
Use antacids such as Maalox as desired. You might also take an acid-blocker medication such as Zantac or Tagament for a couple of weeks until you no longer experience the symptoms.

Is heartburn dangerous?

Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is annoying and painful for most. Only a small percentage of people develop complications such as ulcers, bleeding, Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer.
Yes, it is in the long run. Approximately 60% of all Germans suffer from stomach acid reflux now and again. The cause: increased acid production in the stomach or abnormally weak contraction of the lower oesophageal sphincter between the stomach and the oesophagus. In the long run, the reflux of acid can damage the mucosa of the oesophagus. The risk of the corroded mucosa cells mutating into cancerous cells is eight times
Heartburn is also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn should be evaluated by a GI doctor when it is not controlled by modification in lifestyle, when over the counter medications are needed more than twice a week, or when symptoms remain unresolved despite medication. ...

Is there heartburn in children ?

Yes. When children have heartburn it's usually the result of something they're born with.

How common is heartburn?

More than 60 million American adults experience GERD and heartburn at least once a month, and about 25 million adults suffer daily from heartburn. Twenty-five percent of pregnant women experience daily heartburn, and more than 50 percent have occasional distress. Recent studies show that GERD in infants and children is more common than previously recognized and may produce recurrent vomiting, coughing, and other respiratory problems, or failure to thrive.
You are not alone. More than 15 million Americans experience heartburn daily and are considered severe refluxes.

What causes heartburn?

Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. Instead, heartburn is caused by too much stomach acid. Heartburn is sometimes called acid indigestion.
Heartburn is caused by smoking, caffeine, alcohol and certain foods or drinks. It may occur or get worse after eating, especially a large meal, or lying down. Although many people who suffer from heartburn also have a hiatal hernia, heartburn is not caused by a hernia. While heartburn is typically not serious, the burning feeling that persons experience with heartburn, when accompanied by a sour-tasting fluid the the throat and difficulty in swallowing can be more serious. ...
Most people will experience heartburn when the lining of the esophagus comes in contact with gastric acidity.

Is colostrum good for heartburn?

Several factors exist in colostrum that work to supercharge the functioning of our immune and digestive systems. Colostrum has been shown to provide a boost to the immune system and to provide our bodies with other important factors for maintaining a more youthful appearance. Our product, Colostrum RX , is 30% Standardized Immunoglobulin G content as compared to many being sold today which are 15% or less.

Is heartburn a component of dyspepsia?

Although many patients with dyspepsia also complain of heartburn, reflux is a different disorder with different pathogenesis,

What is the treatment for heartburn?

Lifestyle and dietary modifications are the first step. Over the counter antacid and H 2 blockers are the second step. If you continue to have symptoms or need to take frequent antacid see your doctor for evaluation and prescription strength medications.
This involves elevating the head of the bed, avoiding coffee, tea, cola, mints, tomato-based products, smoking, and fatty and fried foods. Medications can also be used such as Zantac, Tagamet, or stronger acid medications such as Prilosec or Prevacid. Propulsid, a medication which helps the esophagus to squeeze harder, keeps the acid out. Occasionally surgery is indicated where an operation is performed to tighten the muscle of the lower esophagus. ...

What are the symptoms of Heartburn?

Pressure or burning in the chest that causes pain Sour bitter taste in the mouth In severe Cases the pain is also felt in the neck and arms The symptoms are caused when acids from the stomach irritate your esophagus.
There are many things a person can feel when experiencing heartburn. Some of them include: Burning feeling in the chest just behind the breastbone that occurs after eating and lasts a few minutes to several hours. Chest pain, especially after bending over, lying down or eating. Burning in the throat or a hot, sour, acidic or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat.
Heartburn is described as a sour, burning sensation in the upper abdomen or chest. It may go up into the neck and mouth and be associated with acid regurgitation or food sticking. Heartburn is generally worse after meals, while laying down at night, or during exercise associated with bending over.
Source: www.gi.org
Burning in the esophagus, chest, or below/behind the breastbone Burning sensation in the throat or difficulty/pain with swallowing Waking up at night with severe discomfort

What Can Cause Heartburn?

Heartburn happens when stomach acid flows up into the esophagus or the tube between your mouth and stomach, and irritates its lining. Of course the acid or juices in your stomach, helps digest your food. There is a valve between the stomach and the esophagus called the LES or the lower esophageal sphincter, which normally remains closed to keep food and acid in the stomach. However, when you have a condition called Acid Reflux, this value doesn’t always work properly and acid flows up into the esophagus.

What is the best treatment for heartburn?

Various factors should be reviewed when choosing an appropriate treatment , such as other medications you are taking, health problems you may have, the frequency and severity of your attacks and your own personal triggers. Your health care professional can help you to choose a product

What if I get heartburn?

Antacids such as Maalox, Rolaids, etc. are acceptable. You may also use acid-blockers such as Zantac, Tagamet, Prilosec and related medications.

Is there a way of curing heartburn ?

Drinking low-fat milk or chewing gum may alleviate the symptoms.

What Factors Add to Heartburn?

Many things can cause additional heartburn problems. Heartburn is most common after overeating, when bending over or when lying down. Pregnancy, tight clothing especially around the waist that puts pressure on your stomach, stress, and certain foods can also make heartburn worse.

What about Medicines for Heartburn?

Several kinds of medicine can be used as heartburn treatment procedures. H2 blockers (some brand names: Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac) reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. Several are available without a prescription. Other medicines, such as omeprazole (brand name: Prilosec) and lansoprazole (brand name: Prevacid), also reduce how much acid the stomach makes. Metoclopramide (brand name: Reglan) reduces acid reflux. To find out what medicine is right for you, talk with your doctor.
Bookmark this page  

Also on SnappyFingers: