by Richard H. Ealom
INTRODUCTION: Heartburn is a digestive problem that happens when stomach acid comes into contact with the lining of the esophagus, producing irritation. It has nothing to do with the heart though the irritation may be confused with heart pain and vice versa and is the most frequent symptom of a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux or acid reflux. It is often called acid indigestion and usually happens after meals and is a daily occurrence for approximately 10% of Americans and as much as 50% of pregnant women.
SYMPTOMS: Signs of acid indigestion and a heart attack may feel the same. One of the most common symptoms is spitting up. Heartburn symptoms are just flat-out uncomfortable and very painful. However, many people will only experience the milder signs. Pay attention and treat it, particularly if you feel symptoms often.
The good news is that making changes to certain habits will go a long way to stopping acid indigestion and other symptoms of GERD.
Heartburn is usually simple to diagnose from the symptoms you describe to your Physician. If there are any questions about the diagnosis, you may take the following tests to check for ulcers or other problems that might create your signs: barium swallow x-ray study of the esophagus, complete upper GI (gastrointestinal) barium x-ray study of the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine endoscopy: a procedure in which a thin flexible tube with a tiny camera is put in your mouth and down into your stomach so your Doctor can see your esophagus and stomach.
To help decrease the signs you can try not to put a lot of pressure on the sphincter muscle. Seek emergency treatment if the following occurs with the heartburn and do not go away within fifteen minutes of treatment: shortness of breath; sweating; weakness; or arm, back, or chest pain.
FOODS: To minimize attacks, a sufferer may find benefit in avoidance of certain foods that relax the opening between the stomach and esophagus, such as chocolate, peppermint, and chamomile tea shortly before bedtime.
Restricting diet is extremely important, since 90-95% of sufferers of heartburn or esophageal problems can link their symptoms to certain foods. If the person notices that certain foods seem to make the condition worse, or more frequent, they would be better served to stay away from them, or at least talk to their Physician about products that can help decrease the amount of stomach acid that can create acid reflux.
CONCLUSION: Heartburn normally is due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (aka GERD), the rise of stomach acid back up into the esophagus. Acid indigestion and reflux are very common, with 10 percent of the population experiencing these signs at least once a week and may be brought on or worsened by pregnancy and by various medications.
It is common condition, and an occasional episode is usually nothing to worry about. Relief in the form of milk may be effective and drinking a small quantity of milk regularly over a period of time can begin to heal the effects as it washes acid back into the stomach.
A simple and relatively harmless way to treat a one time heartburn is to drink a solution of a small amount of Sodium bicarbonate mixed with water, which quickly neutralizes the acid that causes the pain.
Chewing gum can provide short-term relief by stimulating the production of saliva, which dilutes and flushes out stomach acid. When heartburn occurs frequently, however, or becomes severe, you should consult your doctor.
About the Author:
About The Author: Richard H. Ealom is the Author of this article and the writer of "Free Articles On Diseases: How To Prevent and Cure Them". Want more Facts Please go to us at our websites@Diabetes & Cancer Secrets OR Go To Heart Disease & Obesity Secrets.