Heartburn Indigestion Symptoms

Posts Tagged ‘symptoms of heartburn’

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.

Home Remedy for Heartburn

Many sufferers of heartburn look for a home remedy for heartburn instead of using drugs or medications that may irritate their stomach and add to the problem. Heartburn is a burning sensation in the esophagus as some of the stomach juices are refluxed into the esophagus. This condition can be slight or very intense and normally occurs after eating food. Even if you cannot get rid of your heartburn entirely you can treat the symptoms of heartburn.

Heartburn can be triggered by specific foods and the easiest way to treat heartburn related to food is by simply avoiding those foods that may irritate or cause heartburn. You also can attempt to decrease the portion sizes of those foods that may irritate your heartburn. Many individuals experience heartburn when they are lying down and you may need to wait a few hours after eating before you go to bed to stop this.

Another easy fix for the heartburn you get from lying down after you eat. Sometimes if the heartburn is not real serious you can raise the head of the bed with blocks by 3 to 4 inches. Another option is the wedge pillow to do the same thing by getting the top of your body higher than your stomach. This will help to keep the acids down in the stomach where they belong.

Many people use ginger root as home remedy for heartburn.  One of the properties of ginger is its ability to absorb excessive acids in the stomach as well as its calming effects.  This is useful as stress can be a major factor in contributing to heartburn.  Certain herbs such as goldenseal and gentian root are also helpful to alleviate heartburn.

Stress can also be a major cause of heartburn and indigestion and may just be the underlying cause of most cases. It will not heart to learn about The Best Stress Reduction Techniques on The Effects of Stress on the Body.

Slippery elm can soothe a sore throat that is a symptom of heartburn. Slippery elm contains mucilage, which swells when in contact with water. It is thought that this mucilage coats the esophagus to treat your throat irritation. This herb is frequently found in throat lozenges. It should be noted that no studies have been conducted linking slippery elm to heartburn.

One home remedy for heartburn that seems counterintuitive, yet is very effective, is to drink a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water.  Simple stir up to 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into a glass of warm water and drink it slowly.  It may burn slightly, but the relief should be nearly immediate for most people.

Heartburn can be aggravated by drinking carbonated or fizzy beverages.  These types of drinks can increase the pressure in your stomach, add to the bloated feeling and eventually cause the stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.  Drinks such as cola can actually harm the stomach lining and cause other problems.

Certain medications can cause heartburn.  Your pharmacist can identify which prescription medicines can irritate your stomach and assist you and your doctor in managing the medications.  Keep in mind that eating too late at night is not a good idea.  Your stomach needs time to digest food and ideally, you should stop eating at least two hours before heading off to bed.