Heartburn Indigestion Symptoms

Posts Tagged ‘GERD’

The condition where the muscles in the opening of the stomach will relax making the eaten food including digestive acids and enzymes to rise back to the esophagus is referred to as acid reflux. This is one of symptoms of heartburn or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Heartburn is a medical condition that involves the digestive system. There are many symptoms of heartburn and they often vary from person to person for it is due to different causes. Read along this article and find out the common symptoms, causes and treatment of heartburn in men.

The most common reason for heartburn is diet. Too much caffeine like coffee and chocolate, fried and fatty foods and other acidic foods increase the risk of heartburn. Some other causes of heartburn in men are eating a lot of citrus fruits, excessive consumption of alcohol, sleeping or lying down after eating and excess weight or obesity.

The symptoms of heartburn may differ in different people. Although, there are several noted heartburn symptoms that are found and are most common to people. These symptoms are irritating feeling in the chest immediately after eating that usually takes few to several minutes to disappear, difficulty in swallowing,painful feeling in the chest when bending or lying down, feeling of food getting stuck while traveling down the throat and burning sensation in throat brought by the rise of acids. In extreme heartburn cases, it can cause chronic cough, sore throat and asthma.

Drinking milk when experiencing heartburn should be avoided. Milk contains calcium and protein that can stimulate and increase the acid production in the stomach. If one is experiencing heartburn, he may opt to but over the counter drugs like antacid to neutralize the acid production in the stomach.

One can prevent getting heartburn by avoiding food and drinks that are high in caffeine, foods that are excessively cold or hot, eating slowly, losing weight and avoiding stress.

Just by telling the doctor about the symptoms of the illness, he can easily determine that it is heartburn. However, your doctor can also suggest to you to undergo tests to find out how severe the illness is and so proper treatment can be provided.

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For us to employ immediate measures and interventions, we have to know and be able to identify symptoms promptly. Heartburn is one condition that could make you feel very uncomfortable therefore, it is very essential for you to identify its symptoms as early as possible. Heartburn, also known as acid reflux is a symptom of a digestive disorder. It is not a disorder itself and may just be secondary to GERD or Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease. Many things could trigger the condition but the symptoms it exhibit are most of the time similar.

Below is the list of the most commonly felt symptoms of heartburn which are the key factors for diagnosis and treatment.

1. Burning sensation in the chest

This is the most typical symptom of heartburn and the sensation normally starts at the back of the breast bone or sternum and may extend above. This symptom is often felt after a person took his meal and may last from few minutes or for several uncomfortable hours.

2. Bitter or sour taste in the mouth

This sensation is felt when some stomach contents reflux back to the esophagus and could even extend up to the rare part of the throat. The sensation causes a lot of discomfort and could in fact alter one's appetite.

3. Burning sensation in the throat

Burning sensation in the neck extending to some parts lower can be a sign that will signal heartburn. Pain associated with swallowing can also be noted. The irritation is caused by a reflux of stomach content that goes up to the throat. Among the array of symptoms of heartburn, this particular symptom is one of the most niggling because of the burning type of pain felt.

4. Difficulty in swallowing

This symptom occur when the food that you ate losses its tract and did not pass through the esophagus on its way to the stomach. The person may feel a choking sensation and may complain that the food is stuck on his throat.

If you are encountering at least one of the four symptoms presented above, it is best to seek medical help immediately. Do not try to live with the discomfort because heartburn is treatable and can be prevented. Becoming aware of the symptoms of heartburn will help you determine if you are suffering from GERD.

David Cheng is a professional writer who writes articles about symptoms of heartburn. He has been writing contents for sites such as this to share his expertise in symptoms of heartburn with others.

Your digestive system does an amazing job for you, most of the time. However, there are instances when it can turn on you. If you eat too much or consume the wrong thing, it will talk to you. Often that will happen in the middle of the night. It will tell you that acid has splashed into your esophagus, from your stomach. This is called acid reflux. Your brain will receive pain signals and pass them on to you. You will feel burning in your chest. Your throat will burn. You may have a bitter taste in your mouth. Your stomach may hurt. You will be miserable. If this happens every now and then it is no big deal. If it occurs often, something serious may be happening. Here are some things to know.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is commonly referred to as GERD. GERD is heartburn that is frequent and becomes problematic to everyday life. Stomach acid reaches the food tube from the sphincter muscle. It acts as a valve that opens to receive food. Then it closes to shut off acid from washing back into the throat. GERD patients may have frequent heartburn. However they may also develop a cough and have problems swallowing at times. Food may seem to stick in the throat.

Reasons for GERD

Overweight people are more prone to GERD. Pregnant women may also develop it. Smokers also have a higher risk.

Hiatal hernia is a common cause of frequent heartburn. In this condition the stomach extends through the diaphragm, allowing acid to leak. Hiatal hernias are quite common. The older you get, the better the chance it will develop. Most of these hernias are not considered a serious condition.

More Serious Issues

Most people with GERD can lead a normal life. It can however develop into a condition called Barrett's esophagus. It is brought about by chronic untreated GERD. After a while, the esophageal cells may try to protect themselves. They try to emulate stomach lining cells. In some cases, complications can develop. Ulcers of the esophagus and narrowing may occur. In rare instances cancer could develop. It is important for people with Barrett's esophagus to see a doctor regularly. Symptoms may be similar to GERD. Diagnostic testing is the only way to know for sure if you have it.

Management

Eat smaller and more frequent meals is advised. Do not overeat. Wear loose fitting clothing. Losing weight can help to lessen symptoms in many instances. Not eating before going to bed is also recommended. When you sleep, try to elevate your head. For minor cases, you can take antacids. For more severe, there are prescription drugs available. In some cases, surgery may be needed, but that is usually rare.

Summary

Heartburn is when acid has splashed where it is not supposed to be, the esophagus. It is also referred to as acid reflux. It causes pain and discomfort. Chronic heartburn is more serious and should be treated by a physician, as complications can develop.

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