Heartburn Cure
Finding a Heartburn Cure that Works
Everyone’s body is different, which can make finding a heartburn cure a little more difficult for some. Heartburn is the common term for a digestive issue that produces a burning sensation near the heart. Oddly enough, heartburn doesn’t have anything to do with the heart. The name comes from the fact that the characteristic burning occurs behind the breast bone near the heart. It is estimated that about twenty percent of the adult population experience heartburn at least once a month. Between five and fifteen percent of adults experience severe heartburn that occurs on daily basis. Others may experience heartburn on a weekly basis, which is considered moderate heartburn.
Causes of Heartburn
There is a valve-like sphincter located at the area where the esophagus connects to the stomach. The purpose of the esophageal sphincter is to open when food needs to enter the stomach and to close directly after so that stomach acid and food to not escape the stomach. When the sphincter relaxes too soon after eating, stomach acid can back up into the esophagus, creating a burning sensation in the stomach and lower esophagus.
Certain foods can cause the esophageal sphincter to relax, such as fried foods, high-fat foods, chocolate, sugary or minty foods, coffee, and alcohol. Eating large meals is another contributor to heartburn, as the stomach can literally become so full that the sphincter stretches or weakens. Wearing tight clothes or lying down shortly after eating are other causes of heartburn. When the esophageal band becomes weakened on a continual basis, it is more likely to fail at its job. The weakening of the esophageal sphincter causes a condition known as GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
Symptoms of Heartburn
The most noticeable (and characteristic) sign of heartburn is a burning sensation felt in the chest, about where the ribs part. This pain occurs after eating and can last anywhere from a few uncomfortable minutes to several rough hours. In some, the pain only occurs when lying down or bending over after eating. It is very common to experience a burning feeling in the throat that is often accompanied by a sour taste or even the regurgitation of stomach acid. When acid does happen to make its way up the esophagus, swallowing can become difficult and one may feel the impulse to gag or vomit. Heartburn that occurs on a regular basis could lead to a chronic sore throat or a cough due to the acid wearing down the sensitive tissues of the esophagus.
Choosing a Heartburn Cure
There are a variety of heartburn treatments that vary from home remedies to over the counter medications to prescription drugs. Antacids are a popular form of treatment as they work to neutralize stomach acid and soothe general stomach upset. Tums, Rolaids, Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Pepto Bismol, and Milk of Magnesia are just a few of the brand name antacids one can find in their local store. Many stores also sell a “store brand” version that should be just as effective yet much cheaper in price. Antacids should not be used by someone who experiences severe heartburn as taking antacids over a long period of time can lead to health issues. Acid blockers, such as Pepcid AC and Zantac 75, can be purchased over-the-counter or at prescription strength with a doctor’s prescription.
For most, heartburn can be cured with lifestyle changes. For instance, eating supper several hours before bed can reduce the occurrence of night time heartburn. One may also try to eat smaller meals more frequently rather than three large meals every day. Reducing the amount of fatty, fried, and sugary foods in one’s diet can also help to yield improvement. The best heartburn cure often involves treating existing symptoms first, such as with an antacid or acid blocker, and then discovering the cause behind one’s condition. If a change in one’s diet and eating habits does not lessen the occurrence of heartburn, one may need to visit the doctor to determine whether an underlying condition is at work, such as ulcers or a hiatal hernia.