Causes and Remedies of Heartburn

Introduction

Heartburn as the name suggests is a burning sensation in the chest region. It occurs in the upper central region, behind the breastbone which may further elevate up to the neck, throat and jaw. It is estimated that at least forty two percent of the population of USA are affected with heartburn. It occurs due to the imbalances of gastric acid in the abdomen region. Heartburn is one of the major symptoms for Gastroesophageal reflux disease commonly known as GERD. The best way to remove the disease is to treat it as early as possible failing to which it can increase and subsequently become severe. It occurs due to the reverse flow of the gastric juice from the stomach to the heart region. Gastric juice is an internal secretion that is responsible for digestion and hunger cravings. It is common in people of all ages and is basically due to unhealthy good habits. Excess consumption of alcohol and abusive lifestyle can also lead to heartburn. There are gastroenterologists who are specialists providing medication for heartburn and GERD related health complications. Normal doctors may not be able to provide prescriptions for these diseases on a regular basis.

Causes of heartburn

The causes of heartburn are mostly associated with unhealthy food and liquid consumption. They are seen in people of all ages since they are more related to diet and lifestyle than internal hormone related causes. However, in certain instances where it is due to unavoidable factors that heartburn occur in individuals. Sometimes heartburn is also caused in pregnant women due to the heavy chemical reactions happening within the body. The other causes that lead to heartburn can be summarized as obesity, excess smoking or drinking, excess consumption of iodine (even common salt rich in iodine), diet that does not contain rich fibers, lack of physical activity or prolonged hours of slouching or inertness, drug abuse, etc. In certain cases wrong medication or previous medicine history that included intake of high calcium, painkillers, antihistamines, prednisolone, sedatives, and asthma drugs can also lead to heartburn or GERD. The causes of GERD, which is a related disease, include hypercalcemia which is an excess production of the gastrin juice that increases the acidity in the stomach. Irregular body mass index (BMI) that is a imbalance of the body mass and metabolism can also lead to GERD or heartburn. Further, it is also possible that intake of food that are not taken regularly can also lead to heartburn as the oils, or spices used may not suit the individual leading to chemical reactions within the body.

Symptoms 

The common symptoms of heartburn include continuous and persistent dry cough, wheezing, asthma or breathing trouble, nausea and vomiting, sore throat or other throat related problems, unable to swallow due to pain in esophagus or throat region, abdominal pain, poor dental health, etc. The symptoms are more persistent when one lies down or tries to bend down that strains the abdominal region. At times the symptoms can continue for hours long and can also turn sever if not attended to at the earliest. The disease is considered dangerous as it can lead to complications in food intake that can affect the health of the individual adversely. The most common symptoms of GERD are water brashing (which is excess salivation in the mouth due to acidity), constant chest pain, rupture of esophagus, problems with intestines, etc. Although many other symptoms like ear infections and sinusitis are also cited they are not established to be symptoms of GERD or heartburn.

Diagnosis

There are three ways of diagnosing heartburn – GI cocktail, Biochemical and Mechanical. GI cocktail involves administering of antacid or lidocaine to the patient that confirms whether the pain is in the throat region or not. If the antacid or Lidocine provides relief to the patient, the symptom is not considered severe and is left off with regular checkup. The biochemical method uses a chemical to derive results based on which the level of acidity in the stomach is determined. This process is also referred to as the acidity testing. The mechanical process involves the passing of a manometer through the esophagus that measures the pressure of the lower chest region and the esophageal sphincter. The other diagnosis process for GERD include endoscopy also known as camera imaging, biopsy, impedance monitoring, imaging the esophagus using barium x-ray, etc. The Barium x-ray test is taken after making the patient swallow a chalky fluid which glows when the x-ray rays fall on it giving a clear view of the interior infection of the intestines or abdomen region.

Treatment of heartburn

The most widely used treatment option for heartburn or GERD is the administering of drugs known as proton-pump inhibitors or PPIs. They reduce the extent of acid damage inside the stomach and provide much relief to the patient. They also restrict or block further acid production which can possibly aggravate the situation until the complete treatment is completed. The commonly used PPIs for heartburn treatment include aciphex, nexium, prilosec, dexilant, zegerid, protonix, etc. These medicines are approved by the relevant authorities and statutory medicine bodies implying that they are safe and effective for consumption. However, such medicines can be consumed only as per the prescription of the doctor as over dose can lead to other health complications and low dose can lead to reduced effect on the disease condition. Further, some medicines are not to be used for certain people who are also using other drugs or medicines. Hence, a thorough discussion with the doctor is required to ensure that only the safest and effective medicines are consumed for effective relief. These medicines are sold in large numbers all over the world due to the widespread presence of the disease. Although they are available for purchase from most pharmaceutical shops a doctor prescription is essential as they are not distributed to normal people. Being sold in large quantities pharmaceutical companies term them as blockbuster drugs as they are the sole bread winning or profit generating drugs for certain companies.