Juliet Cohen asked:


Heartburn or pyrosis is a painful or burning sensation in the esophagus. Heartburn is a form of indigestion. Heartburn is a burning feeling in the lower chest, along with a sour or bitter taste in the throat and mouth. It usually occurs after eating a big meal or while lying down. Heartburn is also identified as one of the causes of chronic cough, and may even mimic asthma. Heartburn is linked to eating habits and posture. It happens when acid from your stomach gets forced upwards into the oesophagus ,This is called acid reflux. About 30% of adults experience occasional heartburn, while 10% experience heartburn every day.

About 25% of pregnant women have heartburn or related symptoms. Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus caused by acid that refluxes from the stomach. Some other factors that can make heartburn worse include certain foods, such as fatty foods, spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, onions, tomato sauce, carbonated beverages and mint, alcohol ,large meals ,lying down too soon after eating and certain medications, including sedatives, antidepressants and calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure. Cigarette smoking is main cause of heartburn.The primary symptom of heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, under your breastbone.

This pain may decay when you bend over, lie down or eat. It may also be more frequent or worse at night. Most people can control the irritation of heartburn with lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications. Several kinds of medicine can be used to treat heartburn. H2 blockers (Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac) reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. Other medicines, such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid), also reduce how much acid the stomach makes. Metoclopramide (Reglan) reduces acid reflux. If the heartburn continues, you may need prescription surgery.

Heartburn Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Smoking may increase stomach acid.

2. Antispasmodic drugs and motility stimulants may be prescribed.

3. Alginates are useful when there is reflux of stomach acid.

4. Eat smaller meals reduces pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter.

5. Acid suppressants, such as histamine H2-antagonists also helpful.

6. Antacids, such as maalox, rolaids and Tums, neutralize stomach acid and can provide quick relief.



Beverly

Juliet Cohen asked:


Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious form of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which is common. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux in the esophagus. GER is also called acid reflux or acid regurgitation, because digestive juices called acids rise up with the food. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, affects at least an estimated 5% to 7% of the global population – men, women, and children. The main symptom of GERD in adults is frequent heartburn, also called acid indigestion.

Burning-type pain in the lower region of the mid-chest, behind the bosom ivory, and in the mid-abdomen. Most children under 12 years with GERD, and some adults, have GERD without heartburn. Anatomical abnormalities such as a hiatal hernia may too add to GERD. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper region of the abdomen and the LES go above the diaphragm, the muscle fence that separates the abdomen from the chest. Normally, the diaphragm helps the LES hold acidic from rising upward into the esophagus. When a hiatal hernia is existing, acid reflux can happen more well. A hiatal hernia can happen in folk of any age.

Anti-reflux operations may assist a tiny amount of patients who have relentless symptoms despite medical handling. One of the simplest treatments for GERD is referred to as life-style changes, a combination of several changes in habit, especially related to eating. There are too original therapies that can be performed through an endoscope for reflux. Certain foods are known to cut the force in the lower esophageal sphincter and thereby encourage reflux. These foods should be avoided and include chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks. Fatty foods and smoking too cut the force in the sphincter and encourage reflux.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. If you smoke, stop.

2. Lose weight if needed.

3. Eat small, frequent meals.

4. Wear loose-fitting clothes.

5. Avoid lying down for 3 hours after a meal.

6. Avoid foods and activities that worsen symptoms.

7. Prokinetics help strengthen the LES and make the stomach empty faster.

8. Antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer and Riopan recommended to relieve heartburn.



Lillie