Heartburn is one of the most common gastrointestinal (GI) complaints. It is described as a burning sensation in the lower chest or stomach. The pain can sometimes extend to the neck and throat or occasionally the back.
Heartburn is one of the most common gastrointestinal (GI) complaints. It is described as a burning sensation in the lower chest or stomach. The pain can sometimes extend to the neck and throat or occasionally the back.
Heartburn pain can worsen after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or bending over.
Heartburn can be caused by food, medication, or other health issues. Heartburn is the number one complaint of people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The symptoms of heartburn are caused by acidic stomach contents flowing back into the esophagus. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) loses muscle tone and doesn’t close as tightly.
Occasional heartburn happens to many people and is no cause for alarm. Most people suffering from heartburn can manage the discomfort and pain with home remedies or over-the-counter medications.
The following are quick tips to manage heartburn at home:
1. Wear loose clothing
2. Elevate the head of the bed
3. Avoid eating late at night
4. Avoid trigger foods
5. Avoid smoking and alcohol
6. Avoid large meals
7. Try over the counter medications
Tight-fitting clothing can put pressure on the abdomen and LES. This pressure pushes acidic stomach contents into the throat, causing heartburn pain. Loosening pants or a belt can help relieve some pressure.
If heartburn is most frequent at night, elevating the head of the bed can reduce nighttime pain. The contents of the stomach are liquid, which won’t flow uphill if the head is elevated. There are foam wedges that can be placed under or on top of the mattress. The bed itself can be elevated at the head as well. Generally, sleeping on extra pillows won’t be sufficient to prevent heartburn, but it might be worth a try to see if elevation works.
High-fat meals within 2-3 hours of bedtime can worsen nocturnal heartburn. High-fat food lowers the LES pressure, making it more likely that reflux will occur. Similarly, it is not a good idea to lie down right after eating.
Foods that trigger heartburn are different for every person. Some common foods that can cause symptoms are caffeine, chocolate, spicy foods, acidic foods, and carbonated beverages. High protein foods can increase LES pressure, decreasing the likelihood of heartburn.
Both tobacco and alcohol impair the LES’s ability to function properly. Smokers tend to get heartburn and ulcers more frequently.
Eating a large meal means there are more contents in the stomach. When the stomach is very full, it is easier for the contents to reflux. Eating smaller meals throughout the day can reduce heartburn symptoms.
There are many safe and affordable options available to treat or prevent heartburn.
Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid. They provide relief in minutes, but the effect may only last an hour.
H2 blockers work by decreasing stomach acid secretion. These medications have a slower onset than antacids but last longer. These medications can also be taken before heartburn occurs if there is a trigger food that will be eaten.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) shut down stomach acid secretion. These are the most effective medications for GERD. These medications take a long time to work, so relief isn’t instant.
Most of the time, heartburn can be treated quickly and safely at home with minor adjustments in behavior or a simple dose of medication. If these remedies do not work, or if they are being used frequently, it is important to see a doctor. See a doctor if heartburn occurs more than two or three times in a week as well.
Heartburn is an unpleasant, but common affliction. These simple remedies can work quickly to get you back to feeling great in no time.