Heartburn is the irritating feeling that originates from the diaphragm all through to the chest culminating with sour tasting food particles entering the mouth. In most cases it makes the chest have a burning sensation just behind the breastbone in the upper chest for there is the point of build up. In most of the documented records, there is a clear indication that heartburn affects everyone in a lifetime. Globally over eighty percent of the population experience some sort of heartburn at least once in a month.
How do you know the seriousness of the illness?
If one experiences heartburn once a month the condition is deemed to be mild. Most of the mild heartburn suffers do not seek medical attention which is wrong for this could signify the beginning of a lifelong problem. In cases where heartburn is more frequently experienced; one or more times in a day the condition is severe and seeking medical attention is not an option. Severe heartburn could result in cancerous condition or tearing of the stomach esophagus walls due to excess acid.
Factors Causing Heartburn
Heartburn results due to the reflux of the stomach acids in anti normal direction or up the esophagus causing pain in the system. The acid reflux is thought to occur due the following reasons;
i) Weakening or relaxation of the Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which is a valve that keeps the stomach acids inside. This in other times signifies the onset of the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERI
ii) Immediate sleeping after consumption of very heavy meals without giving the body some time to initiate digestion.
iii) Unwarranted pressure directed towards the stomach by constant body movements as bending, and very tight clothing on the stomach area.
iv) Smoking result to heartburn due to changing of the stomach pH thus it becomes more acidic.
v) Reaction of some medication with you stomach content
vi) Extreme or prolonged stress may increase the severity of the heartburn.
How to Manage Heartburn
The lasting solution to the problem or recurring heartburn calls for the total change in life styles which include dietary makeover. Apart from the prescribed medication by your physician you can use the following home remedies which have been proven to be effective, easy and safe to use.
i) Consumption of frequent smaller food portions then bigger ones at once. This reduces the amount of acid excreted in the stomach
ii) Improve on the table etiquette where you taking time when eating than rushing to finish the food.
iii) After eating rest for about three hours before sleeping.
iv) Sleeping with your upper body elevated as with the pillows to avoid easy flow of the acids to your upper digestion system as the mouth.
v) Keep off from foods and drinks that accelerate and trigger heartburns as coffee, peppermints, alcohol, chocolates and man y others.
vi) Relax your body by exercising and wearing loose clothes especially around the stomach.
vii) Try to keep your recommended BMI. Being overweight posses a problem in heartburn management.
viii) You can chew gums to lessen the heartburn for it stimulates the excretion of the saliva which in turn dilutes the acid in the stomach
ix) Nurture the habit of taking some fluid after every meal to dilute the acids in the stomach.
So despite the nature of the heartburns; not occurring consistently as other ailments always seek professional advice for these could be the unexpected precursors to more serious problems.
