Causes and symptoms of heartburn, what to do? Why heartburn occurs and how to treat it What causes frequent heartburn.

Often people do not pay close attention to heartburn, believing that it can disappear on its own. In reality, this is not entirely true. It is important to understand the cause of its occurrence in order to undertake the right methods of treatment without causing harm to health.

Heartburn is a burning sensation and a feeling of heat and discomfort in the sternum, located just above the epigastrium along the esophagus. The unpleasant symptom serves as a direct indicator of the work of the gastrointestinal tract. The appearance of heartburn can be both periodic and permanent, depending on a number of reasons that provoke it.

Causes of heartburn

The main cause of heartburn is the weakness of the cardiac sphincter, which as a result does not prevent the reflux of food from the stomach. With inferiority of the sphincter, reflux develops much more often than in a healthy person.

An essential factor is also the production of an excessive amount of hydrochloric acid, which contributes to intense tissue injury. Due to these reasons, the following situations may arise:

• Heartburn after eating, occurring immediately or after 15-30 minutes.
• Heartburn and pain in the stomach is often accompanied by an exacerbation of gastritis or stomach ulcers.
• A feeling of heartburn in the throat is a sign of a probable hernia of the esophagus, manifested by burning pain behind the sternum.
• Belching and heartburn that occurs 15-25 minutes after eating in the presence of damage to the gastric mucosa.
• Constant heartburn can occur while taking certain anesthetic drugs (citramon, ketorolac, paracetamol, ibuprofen), which destroy the natural protective barrier stomach.

It is important that a burning sensation in the sternum may indicate not only the pathology of the digestive tract. Sometimes it can also indicate cardiovascular disease.

Symptoms of heartburn in various diseases

Excruciating sensations of heat and burning in the sternum should not be explained only by heartburn. Such symptoms can indicate not only diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, but also other serious conditions.

One should not rush to conclusions and make a preliminary diagnosis, taking into account only this symptom. It is important to have an idea of ​​the pathologies that are characterized by similar symptoms:

• Reflux - esophagitis, in addition to heartburn, accompanied by a feeling of "lump" in grief and problems when swallowing food.
• Gastritis. In an acute course, burning and unbearable pain in the epigastric region may occur.
• stomach ulcer and duodenum. There is vomiting of sour contents, periodic nausea.
• Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by heartburn and increased salivation, as well as diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
• Diseases of the respiratory system that occur with a strong cough and simultaneous regurgitation (reverse promotion) of gastric contents are also distinguished by the presence of heartburn.
• An attack of angina pectoris remotely resembles a state of heartburn, when there is severe soreness in the chest and a burning sensation, as a rule, as a result of emotional stress.

Heartburn can be cured based on identifying the causes that cause it. It is necessary to take into account all the nuances of the development of unwanted symptoms in order to achieve positive therapeutic results.

Heartburn treatment at home

A burning sensation in the chest may develop as a result of an exacerbation of one or another chronic disease. In this case, therapeutic measures should be aimed at eliminating the primary pathology and minimizing unpleasant symptoms.

An integrated approach will help get rid of burning sensation behind the sternum. It consists not only in the regular intake of medications prescribed by the attending physician to eliminate burning sensation and lower the level of gastric acidity, but in the selection of a suitable diet, correction of exercise and rest regimes, as well as the use of traditional medicine recipes.

Lifestyle Correction

The development of diseases of the digestive tract is facilitated by some factors that adversely affect the entire process of digestion. The most significant causes that are recommended to be excluded to prevent pathology include:

• Lifting a weight causes a sharp increase in pressure inside the peritoneum, causing food to be thrown back into the esophagus.
• Excessive consumption of black coffee, known for its peculiarity of increasing the acidity of the stomach.
• Tight clothing leads to a distorted position of the internal organs, causing the eaten food to rise to the top.
• Overeating stretches the walls of the stomach and produces an increased amount of acid.
• Cigarette smoke, which causes spontaneous heartburn attacks by changing the taste in the mouth to sour or bitter.
• Being overweight puts extra pressure on the abdominal organs, causing heartburn.

Finding the strength to eliminate the adverse effects of provoking factors will help the patient prevent the progress of the disease or, at least, reduce unpleasant manifestations.

Proper nutrition for heartburn

When identifying the true cause of heartburn, the attending physician will help in adjusting the diet and compiling a suitable diet. It is noted that in the chronic course of the disease and single attacks of heartburn, the products differ slightly:

• It is necessary to eat in small portions often and fractionally every 2.5-3.5 hours.
• Exclude citrus tomatoes from the daily diet, and add vegetables, berries, fruits and cereals.
• Eat non-fermented cheeses, low-fat varieties of fish and meat, eggs and lightly toasted white bread.
• Add oils to cooked meals plant origin(pumpkin, olive, sunflower).
• Herbal preparations, decoctions, tea with milk, fruit drinks and non-carbonated mineral water are suitable for drinking.

Folk remedies for heartburn

You can treat heartburn on your own, having natural herbal remedies in your arsenal. Some of them tend to reduce the negative effect of pepsin on the mucosa of the esophagus:

• Baking soda . To prepare the solution, dissolve a pinch of soda in 300 ml of water, and then drink it in small sips. This tool is not suitable for everyday use.
• Peas . It is necessary to chew 4-5 steamed or fresh peas before the main meal.
• potato juice. You should drink half a glass of juice on an empty stomach and before going to bed.
• Almond. It is necessary to remove the skin by treating the nut with boiling water, and then carefully chew the almonds.
• Honey. Suitable for rare episodes of heartburn: 1.5 tbsp. l. honey to 230 ml of water. Take morning and evening before meals.
• Mineral water. Mineral water of the alkaline type "Borjomi" is prescribed. Gas should be allowed to go out for two hours, then slightly warmed up and taken half a glass before the main meal.
• Milk . Products with a high fat content are used. It is necessary to drink half a glass of milk before each meal.
• Aloe. For the preparation of aloe juice, large juicy leaves are suitable, which must be washed, crushed and squeezed with gauze. One dessert spoon of the resulting juice should be diluted in 200 ml of water and consumed in the morning and evening after meals.
• Mint infusion. For its preparation, both dried raw materials and fresh leaves are suitable. One teaspoon of dried mint or a few fresh leaves pour boiling water in a glass. Infusion time: 10 minutes. Take as normal tea.

Ways to get rid of heartburn folk methods are diverse and effective. Each patient can choose the right one for themselves, based on the recommendations of the attending doctor.

Medical treatments for heartburn

IN traditional medicine a list medications and therapeutic methods that can effectively and in the shortest possible time alleviate the patient's condition with recurring or first-time attacks of heartburn.

All treatment options are available and clinically tested, most of the medicines are available without a prescription and are suitable for daily use at home. Before starting the treatment of heartburn, it is important to seek the advice of a gastroenterologist, who will determine the right direction of therapy.

heartburn pills

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of which pills best deal with heartburn. The pharmacopoeia has many drug groups of drugs for heartburn attacks, which are effective in a given situation:

• Rennie. It is one of the most common antacid drugs, which is available in the form of chewable tablets. The reasons for this popularity is that this drug quickly removes negative symptoms and lowers the pH level of gastric juice. Suitable for use during childbearing.
• Gastal. The action of this drug is aimed at combating various pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and suppressing the signs of high acidity. It has a healing effect, it belongs to the group of non-absorbable antacids.
• Omeprazole. It is a classic drug that reduces the acidity of the stomach, and belongs to the proton pump inhibitors. The components of the product are able to adsorb hydrochloric acid and protect the digestive organs from the negative effects of irritating factors. It is a preventive measure for a number of gastric pathologies.
• Rutacid. The drug of the antacid group, acceptable for admission in diabetes mellitus. It is presented in chewable tablets, in which there are no components harmful to diabetics. Active substances neutralize hydrochloric acid, have a gastroprotective effect, promote the healing of ulcers and erosions of the esophagus, as well as the stomach.
• gastracid. The action of the drug is aimed at adsorbing an excess amount of hydrochloric acid and substances that threaten the integrity of the mucous membranes of the esophagus and stomach. Lowers the acid level by interacting with acidic compounds and envelops the surface of the mucosa.
• Gaviscon. According to the instructions for the drug, Gaviscon chewable tablets have a mint flavor and are used to eliminate the following symptoms: heartburn and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, belching. It is intended to be used by pregnant women.
• Ranitidine. This drug is designed to block histamine receptors in the cells of the gastric mucosa. As a result, the production of hydrochloric acid is reduced and the symptoms of heartburn are eliminated.

The selection of the optimal drug for heartburn should be carried out by the attending specialist after conducting a comprehensive diagnosis and determining the causes of the pathology. Self-medication is fraught with aggravation of the general condition with the development of heartburn against the background of concomitant diseases of the digestive tract.

Suspensions for heartburn

The use of drugs in the form of suspensions is distinguished by additional ease of use, especially if a child needs to be treated. Means are easily soluble in water, which facilitates the process of swallowing. Known suspensions include:

• Almagel. In a short time, it is able to neutralize the effect of hydrochloric acids, which irritates the walls of the esophagus. Prevents the development of gastroduodenal reflux, ensures the rapid promotion of the food "lump" through the gastrointestinal tract, eliminates stomach cramps.
• Phosphalugel. It has a neutralizing property in relation to hydrochloric acid, envelops the walls of the stomach and the mucous membrane of the esophagus, and is known for its absorbent effect.
• Smecta. It is widely used in the treatment of patients of various age groups. The cellular exchange of the damaged mucosa is restored, preventing acid exposure.
• Maalox. Known in gastroenterology for its protective, analgesic, antacid and enveloping action.
• Palmagel. Indicated in the diagnosis of reflux - esophagitis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, peptic ulcers. Eliminates discomfort in the stomach after dietary errors, taking certain drug groups, aggravating the use of coffee, nicotine and alcoholic beverages.

The above drugs relieve the feeling of unbearable burning behind the sternum and are available to any potential patient. Their action is aimed at suppressing unwanted symptoms in a short time period.

Drops for heartburn

The components of healing drops are distinguished by the presence of organic components. Their work is to eliminate heartburn, neutralize hydrochloric acid and restore the functions of the esophagus, as well as the full motility of the digestive tract.

• Iberogast. It can be prescribed by a doctor in the treatment of spastic pain and inflammation in the abdominal cavity. The action is aimed at regulating the level of necessary enzymes and biological components in the digestive system, while maintaining intestinal peristalsis.
• Ezoton Plus. It is a drug prescribed to prevent diseases of the esophagus, stomach and larynx, which can be triggered by heartburn.
• Khilak forte. It is useful for a slight increase in the pH level in the stomach.

Herbal preparations are designed to normalize the natural microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, increase the body's defenses after prolonged exposure to drugs or pathogenic bacteria.

Surgical treatment of heartburn

In case of ineffectiveness or impossibility of conservative therapy, the only possible treatment heartburn advocates surgery. Surgery may be needed to stabilize the sphincter to adequate function.

Medical science has a number of the latest surgical methods for the correction of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GRD). Moreover, most of them are non-invasive, which eliminates the incision of the skin.

• Endoscopic bulking agent injection involves the surgeon inserting a special filler into the area where the esophagus and stomach meet. Manipulation leads to a natural narrowing of the lumen of the esophageal sphincter and excludes gastroesophageal reflux.
• Endoscopic expansion with hydrogel implants involves the use of a gel that resembles living tissue by the surgeon.
• Endoluminal gastroplasty involves the formation of several folds by the surgeon using an endoscope, which are then attached to the esophageal sphincter. Improvised folds are able to limit the amount of sphincter opening and prevent the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus.
• Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation is based on the insertion of a miniature balloon into the gastroesophageal junction. The electrodes located on the surface of the balloon are capable of generating thermal impulses after it is inflated. As a result of exposure to high temperatures, the mucous membrane of the esophagus is covered with tiny scars that prevent the esophagus from narrowing.
• Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a wrapping of the gastric apex around the esophagus, forming a kind of cuff. This design strengthens the esophageal sphincter from below and prevents acid from leaking out of the stomach.
• Laparoscopic installation of a magnetic device (LINX) involves general anesthesia and a minimum of intervention by the surgeon. The operation consists in attaching magnetic balls to the lower part of the esophagus, which will further ensure the absolute closure of the sphincter.

Before resorting to drastic measures, the possible disadvantages, as well as the advantages of a particular intervention and procedure prior to treatment, should be discussed with the attending doctor and a specialist in the field of abdominal surgery.

Getting rid of heartburn during pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the obvious causes of heartburn in women. Reflux develops due to increased intra-abdominal pressure. In the event that a woman noted periodic episodes of heartburn before pregnancy, the symptoms, as a rule, worsen. Throughout the entire period of gestation, the uterus increases in size, which leads to some displacement of the stomach and constraint of intestinal motility.

It includes a complex of non-drug methods and medications. Moreover, for effective and stable relief of adverse events, sometimes it is enough just to follow a diet. Necessary measures:

• Proper nutrition.
• positional therapy.
• Sleep on the left side.
• Sufficient consumption of pure water.
• Replacing fresh bread with toast or white bread croutons.
• The use of drugs from the group of non-absorbable antacids (Renny, Gastal, Phosphalugel, Maalox, Almagel).

Heartburn Prevention Measures

Timely preventive measures can prevent the occurrence and progression of diseases of the digestive system. In the presence of a chronic pathology that provokes heartburn, preventive measures are also necessary.

• It is important to chew food thoroughly and slowly.
• During sleep, slightly raise the head of the bed.
• It is worth abandoning tight wardrobe items and tight belts.
• Exclude carbonated drinks and coffee, alcohol.
• Gastroscopy is indicated once a year, even for those people who are not bothered by "burning" sensations behind the sternum.

If heartburn remedies from the home medicine cabinet can eliminate negative symptoms at the moment, then preventive measures are aimed at controlling the primary pathology.

Possible consequences of heartburn

The activity of the esophageal sphincter of a healthy person is normally aimed at preventing gastric contents from being thrown into the esophageal canal. Otherwise, the mucous membranes of the esophagus and stomach suffer from the action of hydrochloric acid.

In the absence or incorrectly selected therapeutic effect, the patient has a high risk of developing negative consequences, which can become a reality in the shortest possible time:

• Insufficiency of the 12th duodenum causes the contents of the stomach to be thrown into the larynx, followed by a burn of the mucous membrane.
• Painful weight loss.
• The occurrence of internal bleeding, perforation of ulcers.
• Dehydration.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Rupture of the esophageal walls.

Gastroenterological practice proves that persistent heartburn, if left untreated for a long period, can lead to the development of oncological neoplasms in the esophagus. With frequent attacks of heartburn, it is undesirable to try to cope with it on your own.

Heartburn may well spoil not only the general well-being, but also the mood, especially if it arose unexpectedly and manifests itself quite strongly. It can develop in anyone, regardless of age and gender. Quite often, women experience heartburn, but it cannot be said that they have a predisposition to this, with the possible exception of expectant mothers. What are the causes of heartburn in women?

Those people who have never experienced heartburn can be said to be lucky. They do not know what it is, what it comes from, and what unpleasant sensations a person may experience in this case. Heartburn is not in vain received such a name - it is a quite noticeable burning sensation in the throat or stomach. The reason for its occurrence from a physiological point of view is the active action of gastric juice on the inner lining of the esophagus. Normally, it should not be inside this organ (only in the stomach), but when natural protection does not work for some reason, the juice is thrown into the esophagus and strongly irritates the mucous membrane - a burning sensation appears.

Heartburn - what is it?

On a note! According to statistics, about 40% of people around the globe constantly experience heartburn, regardless of age and gender. Only for someone it is a temporary phenomenon, and someone suffers from it constantly.

As a rule, heartburn appears quite often in people with diseases of the digestive system. However, in some cases, it can ruin the life of a perfectly healthy person.

Symptoms

The main symptoms that make sure that we are talking about heartburn are discomfort and burning of varying intensity, a palpable feeling of heat noted in the sternum and spreading to the upper body, up to the throat, that is, along the esophagus. Usually, these symptoms can be noted about an hour after eating, with body tilts, with intense physical exertion. Also, signs can be felt by a person who decided to lie down a little after eating.

Usually heartburn appears after some specific actions performed by a person, and not every day. But if its symptoms are observed weekly and more than 3 times during this time, then the quality of life deteriorates significantly, and in this case, it is necessary to identify the causes and complete treatment.

The main causes of heartburn

In general, despite the gender of a person, there are a number of reasons that can trigger the onset of heartburn. First of all, it is worth noting that this unpleasant sensation can occur in anyone, even a healthy person, after eating fatty, fried, smoked, spicy and other irritating foods. Also, the main reason is often the usual overeating or drinking alcohol.

As for diseases, most often heartburn is a concomitant symptom or side effect from:

• pancreatitis;
• gastritis;
• diseases of the intestinal tract;
• cholecystitis;
• operations on the stomach;
• poisoning;
• stomach cancer.

Attention! Most often, heartburn as a concomitant factor is noted in those who suffer from gastritis, cholecystitis, hernia of the alimentary canal. However, if she constantly worries, and the person does not know about the presence of these diseases, then it is recommended to undergo an examination, since heartburn can also signal other, more serious pathologies.

Heartburn can often be caused by stress, an unstable mental state, heart disease, exacerbations of other diseases. It can occur at any time of the day or night.

The female body is unique and very different from the male. This applies to the hormonal system, and body structure, and a lot of psychological aspects. Heartburn in women can occur for a variety of reasons, and it is not always the result of overeating or problems with the digestive system.

Hormonal shifts

They may well cause heartburn, as hormones often act on the protective valve at the lower end of the esophagus to relax. An excess of progesterone, which is often noted during childbearing, can also cause this unpleasant sensation.

Also, the level of hormones in the body of a woman can change due to taking oral contraceptives. They contain progesterone and estrogen and also easily provoke heartburn. By the way, such pills are also taken during hormone replacement therapy. Estrogen is able to increase the amount of nitric oxide in the blood, which relaxes the sphincter muscles, and gastric juice enters the esophagus.

Overweight and obesity

Women who tend to be overweight often experience heartburn attacks. The fact is that the fatty layers that form around the organs can exert strong pressure on the stomach. At the same time, the relationship between overweight and the occurrence of acid reflux in women is more acute than in men.

Attention! Incorrectly selected hormonal drugs taken by a woman can cause weight gain.

Being overweight is another possible reason.

Excess weight in most cases is formed due to malnutrition or the use of certain foods. Some of them can also cause heartburn. These include:

• tea and coffee;
• alcohol;
• dairy products;
• sour juices;
• fatty food;
• carbonated drinks containing sugar.

The stomach digests chocolate and dairy products for a long time, alcohol increases the production of stomach acid, and tea, coffee can relax the esophagus valve. The result is an attack of heartburn.

Heartburn during pregnancy

Often expectant mothers suffer from heartburn, especially those who have already had a long pregnancy. During the bearing of the baby, the woman's body is rebuilt, the uterus increases in size and exerts strong pressure on all organs, including the stomach. Thus, its contents are pushed up to the esophagus and can enter it.

On a note! In pregnant women, heartburn is most often observed in the third trimester and less often in the first.

Taking medications

In addition to contraceptives, a woman may be forced to take other medicines. A number of them can easily provoke the development of heartburn. For example, drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin can cause it. There are some medications that are used to treat osteoporosis that allow heartburn to develop.

A woman, as a rule, is very impressionable and quite often experiences various stresses associated with work or family. It is unrest, having reasons or groundless, that is often the cause of heartburn. Science has already proven the link between heartburn and stress, but how it works has not yet been figured out.

How to overcome heartburn?

It is usually quite simple to cope with heartburn - it is recommended to drink some water and take a drug that neutralizes the acidity of the stomach.

Table. Drugs for the treatment of heartburn.

There are a number of time-tested folk methods of dealing with heartburn. To overcome this symptom will help:

• seeds;
• a teaspoon of vegetable oil;
• carrot or carrot juice mixed with potato juice in equal proportions and taken before meals;
• chamomile tea (2-3 tablespoons per 1 cup of boiling water, then the mixture is infused for 20 minutes and filtered);
• flax seeds steamed with boiling water (1 tsp / 0.5 cups of boiling water, infused for 10-12 hours and then brought to a volume of 1 cup of boiled water. The drink is taken daily for 2 weeks on an empty stomach);
• soda solution.

How to deal with heartburn during pregnancy?

Step 2 Meals should be frequent, but not plentiful (about 6 times a day, the calorie content of meals is no more than 400-600 kcal). Products such as chocolate, coffee, strong tea, hot peppers, sodas, alcohol, etc. are excluded.

Step 3 Eating is done slowly, and food is chewed thoroughly. This will make it easier for the stomach to digest it.

Step 4 Do not lie down immediately after eating. If it is necessary to lie down, then pillows are placed under the back so that the body is in a semi-sitting position.

Step 5 Pregnancy is not a reason to stay at home. Daily walks are organized, simple exercises are performed.

Step 6 If you need to bend over or pick up something from the floor, then at the moment of action, the knees are bent, not the back. This will allow you to not put too much pressure on your stomach.

Step 7 The wardrobe is also changing. Clothing should be loose and comfortable, not squeezing the body.

Sleep on your left side

Video - Heartburn: causes and treatment

Heartburn in women, especially those in position, is quite common. However, it is easy to deal with it, if you follow all the above recommendations, healthy lifestyle life and worry less. read our article.

Many of us, most likely, have experienced such a phenomenon as heartburn in the throat or deeper digestive tracts. Such an unpleasant manifestation is expressed in a sharp pain, which by its nature resembles a strong burning sensation and often causes deaf discomfort, perspiration in the nasopharynx.

Surprisingly, most people perceive heartburn as something mundane and harmless, which is fundamentally wrong. It is important to understand that a burning sensation in the digestive system is a potentially dangerous sign, which is simply unacceptable to ignore.

We will talk in more detail about why heartburn happens and how to organize its therapy today.

Causes of heartburn and its essence

Almost everyone has experienced heartburn.

A single manifestation of heartburn every few months is quite normal. However, an increase in such a symptom cannot be considered the norm, since it indicates a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

It is undesirable to ignore the burning sensation in the throat or upper digestive sections, because untimely organized therapy of the problem can provoke the development of rather serious pathologies.

The cause of heartburn from the point of view of human physiology is extremely simple and consists in the contact of gastric acids with the tissues of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx or digestive tract. Based on the structure of the gastrointestinal tract, we can conclude that quite strong acids - hydrochloric and bile - cause a burning sensation.

During the normal operation of the digestive system, their entry into the upper digestive canals, which are most sensitive to them, is prevented by the cardiac sphincter and diaphragm. If for some reason these organs of the system do not cope with the function assigned to them, reflux occurs - the release of stomach acids into the esophageal and pharyngeal canals, which provokes heartburn.

Delving into the consideration of the mechanisms of reflux, it is worth highlighting three main reasons for this phenomenon:

• Malfunction of the cardinal sphincter.
• Insufficient tension of the walls of the stomach.
• The course of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Similar pathologies of the digestive system are provoked by a huge number of diseases. Often heartburn occurs due to the development of the following ailments:

1. hernia;
2. ulcer;
3. gastritis;
4. esophagitis;
5. stenosis;
6. achilia of the stomach;
7. cholecystitis;
8. cholelithiasis;
9. autonomic diseases;
10. diabetes.

In addition, increased burning sensation may be caused by a recent operation on the gastrointestinal tract. However, such manifestations should be short-lived and disappear already for 2-3 months after the operation. If the burning sensation does not go away, it means that the development of the ailments noted above takes place, not otherwise.

The video will introduce the causes of heartburn:

First aid for burning sensation

Improper diet is the cause of heartburn

Based on the information presented above, it could be understood that heartburn is a symptom of a certain ailment, but by no means an independent disease. To completely eliminate it, it is necessary to accurately determine the cause of the burning sensation and eliminate it.

However, at the initial stage of the manifestation of heartburn, symptom relief is required. To mitigate the state requires:

• Take one of the many antacid medications. Such drugs contain calcium carbonate, magnesium and aluminum hydroxide, which quickly neutralizes the effect of gastric acid on the mucous membranes. The most effective among antacids are Maalox and Rennie. The main thing when taking them is full compliance with the instructions for use and the absence of drinking them with water.
• Stop eating and refrain from eating for a period of 2-3 hours after the first manifestation of heartburn. Here, perhaps, everything is clear. The alimentary canals are already suffering from the effects of acids, so why should they be loaded additionally?

In the absence of antacids, it is also acceptable to use natural acid neutralizers. The latter can be a solution of soda in water (1 teaspoon per glass), milk or herbal tea.

We repeat, the therapeutic measures noted above are only one-time ways to eliminate heartburn, which in no way affect the cause of its occurrence. With the frequent manifestation of burning sensation, simply stopping the symptoms is not enough, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of its occurrence. Remember this.

Medical therapy

Maalox is a popular remedy for heartburn.

For most patients with heartburn, gastroenterologists do not prescribe a drug course of therapy, but simply advise them to change their lifestyle and reconsider their views on nutrition. However, if a real pathology of the gastrointestinal tract is detected, medication treatment is mandatory.

Note that drugs for the complete disposal of heartburn are selected for a particular patient strictly on an individual basis. Often the course includes the following list of medicines:

1. Previously noted antacids or an alternative to them are alginic acid derivatives. The most effective of these agents are represented by Maalox, Almol and Bismuth.
2. Antisecretory drugs necessary to reduce the production of acids in the gastrointestinal tract by blocking histamine receptors. These drugs include Gastrozole, Ranitidine and Rabeprazole.
3. Prokinetics required to stabilize the functioning of the cardiac sphincter and diaphragm. Bright representatives of this class of medicines are Cerucal, Cisapride and Creon. With a strong ruflex, Ursolfak or Prepulsid are used.

In addition to these funds, gastroenterologists often prescribe their patients a systematic intake of alkaline mineral water and a vitamin course. In especially severe cases, a medical course of treatment may not give results, then an operation is prescribed.

Most often, surgery is required for hernias, some types of esophagitis, and the presence of internal bleeding.

Folk methods of treatment

Heartburn is a very unpleasant phenomenon.

Traditional medicine for getting rid of heartburn also has a place to be. As a rule, such methods of therapy are not used as the basis of treatment, but are a significant help to the drug course.

Most Effective folk recipes against heartburn are represented by the following list:

• Aloe with honey. To prepare this remedy, you need to take 10 sheets of aloe, previously aged in the cold for about 7-10 days, and 7 tablespoons of honey. Aloe is crushed to a fine gruel and mixed with honey. The resulting mixture is taken one tablespoon before each meal.
• Activated carbon. This medicine, of course, does not require preparation. It is enough to take the number of tablets once a day, calculated according to the formula - "1 tablet * for every 10 kg of body weight."
• Potato juice. It is also not difficult to prepare it, because it only requires peeling a few potatoes, chopping them and squeezing the juice from the resulting slurry. The liquid is mixed with honey in a ratio of 2: 1 and applied in the same way as an aloe remedy.
• Celery root. The plant is most effective when fresh. To prepare one serving of the medicine, it is necessary to squeeze a full tablespoon of juice from the celery root. The resulting liquid is taken 1-2 times a day.
• Herbal infusion. To make this homemade "drug", you will need 10-15 grams of anise seed, chamomile flowers and dill seeds. A mixture of plants must be poured with half a liter of boiling water and insisted for 2-4 hours. Cooled infusion should be taken twice a day for 100 grams (half a glass).

The course of therapy with any of the presented means is 10-14 days. After that, if heartburn and its cause are not completely cured, it is worth waiting for a similar amount of time and repeating the course of therapy with alternative recipes.

Possible complications of pathology and prevention

Proper nutrition - prevention of heartburn

Heartburn, even as a symptom of another disease, can provoke the development of complications. The most common post-heartburn effects are:

• Esophagitis of varying severity, which is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa. The manifestation of such ailments is considered to be the feeling of "coma in the throat", pain when swallowing, causeless vomiting and increased heartburn. You can’t joke with such symptoms, therefore, if it is present, you should immediately visit a doctor.
• Barrett's esophagus, which is a very dangerous and unpleasant ailment. In fact, this disease is a harbinger of cancer, which, with improper and non-surgical therapy, can cause a full-fledged cancer. The symptoms of its manifestation have strong similarities with acute food poisoning, therefore, with a long manifestation, it is impossible to hesitate and you need to go to the hospital for examination.
• Narrowing of the esophagus is a rather serious pathology, which, when developed, can even cause death. Its course, in addition to signs of acute poisoning, is accompanied by unbearable pain in the abdomen. Similar to Barrett's esophagus, narrowing of the tract requires immediate organization of treatment, which is possible only in specialized institutions.

In order to avoid unpleasant heartburn, and the ailments that accompany it, and the most dangerous complications, it is necessary to adhere to simple preventive measures. The most effective prevention methods are:

1. Organization of proper nutrition, not replete with harmful, spicy and fatty foods.
   Maintaining the most correct lifestyle, that is, quitting smoking and not abusing alcohol.
2. Timely and complete therapy of all pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

Perhaps this is the end of the most important information on today's topic. We hope that the material presented above was useful for you and gave answers to your questions. Health to you!

With such an unpleasant phenomenon as heartburn, many people face. Some people experience a burning sensation in the epigastric zone. For others, this condition reaches almost to the throat. What can cause heartburn? If this phenomenon rarely occurs, it signals a disturbed diet. But if an unpleasant symptom bothers a person constantly, you should go to the doctor. Since without diagnostics it is extremely difficult to determine what heartburn can be from. Constant discomfort can indicate quite serious health problems.

Origin principle

Consider from the point of view of physiology, from what heartburn can be. A burning sensation occurs in the esophagus when the sphincter malfunctions. This is a muscular ring that prevents food from entering the esophagus from the stomach.

But as a result of some reasons (we will talk about them later), the sphincter does not fulfill its main task. In this case, acidic contents are thrown from the stomach into the esophagus. This is the main cause of heartburn.

The hydrochloric acid in the stomach is an extremely aggressive environment. However, in the case of normal functioning of the body, it does not cause harm. Since the gastric mucosa is reliably protected from its effects.

The lining of the esophagus is more sensitive. Therefore, when acidic contents enter it, a person experiences a burning sensation, discomfort and pain.

Causes

There are a lot of sources that provoke an unpleasant symptom. Therefore, it is very difficult to determine without the help of a doctor what causes heartburn and how to deal with it.

Most often, unpleasant symptoms are provoked by the following factors:

1. Preference for drinks and food that negatively affect the functioning of the sphincter. Heartburn can provoke fatty, spicy foods, alcohol abuse, chocolate, frequent coffee intake. Sugary carbonated drinks are harmful. They give a load on the stomach, liver and pancreas.
2. The use of certain drugs. The active substances of certain medications can affect the functioning of the sphincter. You should remember what can cause heartburn. Drugs for hypertension, bronchial asthma, and heart failure have such a side effect.
3. Tight clothing.
4. Smoking immediately after eating or on an empty stomach very often provokes heartburn. Cigarette smoke irritates the stomach lining. Such a negative factor leads not only to unpleasant symptoms. It can become a source of quite serious pathologies, such as ulcers, gastritis, oncology of the digestive system.
5. Overweight.
6. Physical surges. Bent over, lifting weights and other loads immediately after eating food lead to the reflux of gastric juice into the esophagus. As a result, the patient experiences heartburn.
7. Disturbance of motility of the esophagus and the functioning of the sphincter as a result of some pathologies. This picture can be observed in diabetes mellitus, a variety of inflammatory processes in the esophagus, hernias.
8. Pregnancy. As a result of increased pressure on the organs of the peritoneum, a woman may experience quite unpleasant sensations.
9. Sleep immediately after eating.

Initial correction methods

In most cases, it is malnutrition that underlies the occurrence of unpleasant symptoms. Therefore, it is quite easy to determine what causes heartburn and how to deal with it.

1. Watch your nutrition. Stop using a large number fried food and spicy. Minimize your intake of acidic foods.
2. It is recommended to consume food in small portions. In this case, the number of meals should be increased.
3. If possible, eliminate all bad habits. Refuse to take alcoholic beverages, smoking. Don't eat right before bed.
4. Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after eating. Do not rush to take a horizontal position after eating.
5. Try to lead an active life and diligently work (if necessary) to reduce weight.

Such simple rules will allow most patients to get rid of heartburn.

What is constant discomfort?

If, even after giving up a lot of products, the patient does not experience relief, then with this symptomatology it is necessary to consult a doctor. It will take a full examination to determine what may be causing heartburn every day.

Unpleasant symptoms can be provoked by a number of pathologies and factors. Among them:

• gastroesophageal reflux;
• hernia of the aperture of the diaphragm;
• esophagitis;
• long-term use of NSAIDs;
• peptic ulcer;
• obesity;
• excessive alcohol intake;
• systemic scleroderma;
• abuse of caffeinated drinks and chocolate;
• pregnancy;
• smoking;
• ischemia of the heart;
• violation of the motility of the esophagus;
• pericarditis;
• osteochondrosis of the cervical region of the spine;
• diseases of the biliary tract.

Cause in oncology

In addition, doctors have determined what can cause constant heartburn. Today, the connection between this unpleasant phenomenon and the occurrence of esophageal cancer has been fully established. The development of cancer is accompanied by some other symptoms that you need to pay attention to:

• hypersalivation (increased salivation);
• dysphagia (pain during swallowing or inability to swallow food);
• dyspeptic disorders;
• indigestion.

To exclude serious pathologies, it is necessary to be examined by a doctor.

If heartburn occurs after eating

Many people who experience discomfort do not at all try to find the causes of this pathology. As a rule, interest is caused by ways to eliminate painful symptoms. This is completely wrong. Since you can get rid of this phenomenon only by understanding what heartburn can be from after eating.

And the causes are sometimes hidden in inflammatory pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract:

• gastritis;
• ulcers;
• cholecystitis;
• disorders of the biliary system;
• diaphragmatic hernia.

Obviously, in such cases, one should fight not with heartburn, but with the disease that provoked it.

However, this phenomenon does not always signal pathologies of the body. Sometimes heartburn manifests itself as a result of malnutrition.

Nutritionists say that the discomfort that occurs 2 hours after eating indicates a fairly dense meal and the use of “wrong” foods. Often heartburn provokes excessively spicy or fatty foods. Such products, having entered the stomach at a specified time, make themselves felt with discomfort.

Heartburn, which occurs an hour after a meal, indicates that a person eats densely and often or eats a lot, but rarely eats.

Heartburn in the throat

Discomfort can be felt not only in the abdomen and chest. Sometimes it even reaches the throat. Heartburn is manifested by a burning pain in the throat and a lot of discomfort. As a rule, it occurs once and disappears very quickly.

What can cause heartburn in the throat? Such discomfort occurs in a patient when both esophageal sphincters (valves) are weakened - both upper and lower. As a result of pathology, the contents of the stomach can be thrown into the esophagus and pharynx, causing a strong burning sensation.

Most often, such symptoms indicate the development of the following unpleasant diseases in the patient:

• chronic gastritis;
• ulcer;
• chronic cholecystitis;
• diaphragmatic hernia.

Heartburn in pregnancy

When carrying a child, this condition is considered the norm. Doctors, explaining what can cause heartburn during pregnancy, associate this phenomenon with physiology. The fetus is closely adjacent to the stomach and, accordingly, presses on it. Therefore, a woman has heartburn.

Despite the fact that this is an absolutely normal phenomenon, it delivers a lot of discomfort. Therefore, it should not be ignored. But it is also not recommended to take medications on your own.

In this case, a pregnant woman should review her diet and consult with her doctor.

Where should you start?

So, having understood what can cause heartburn in pregnant women, we will consider what methods should be used to deal with this phenomenon. To date, a tool that would completely eliminate the problem has not been developed. However, following some rules can greatly alleviate the condition.

1. Eat often enough - about 5-7 times a day. But portions should be very small. Dry food is strictly prohibited.
2. After eating for half an hour, in no case go to bed.
3. Follow a diet. Eliminate salty, fatty foods, marinades, coffee, fried foods, black tea from your diet. Also, analyze which foods provoke heartburn. Those are the ones that should be abandoned.
4. Sleep on your left side. This position reduces the manifestation of heartburn. In addition, it contributes to the necessary blood circulation in the placenta.
5. Help to get rid of heartburn: grated carrots, milk, jelly, almonds, oatmeal. Chewing a piece of ginger is sometimes beneficial.
6. Try not to bend over unnecessarily.
7. Choose special roomy clothes for pregnant women.

If these simple recommendations fail to help relieve heartburn, the doctor will recommend certain medications. In pharmacology, there are special antacid medicines that are safe for pregnant women. However, you can take any of these funds only after a doctor's prescription.

Medical treatment

If all the methods described in the article do not eliminate unpleasant symptoms, you should go to the doctor. After conducting an examination, he will establish the cause of discomfort, and recommend how to get rid of heartburn.

It is highly undesirable to choose medications on your own. Because heartburn drugs affect the body in different ways. Some remedies eliminate this condition by neutralizing the acid. These medicines include bismuth preparations. Other medicines reduce the production of stomach acid. They are also called antisecretory. These include "Ranitidine", "Omeprazole".

Each group of drugs has advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, in order not to harm your body and not aggravate the pathology that provokes heartburn, these remedies should be chosen exclusively with a doctor.

Among modern drugs that are in great demand and perfectly eliminate this phenomenon, the following are distinguished:

1. "Gaviscon". This drug is a natural suspension based on seaweed. The drug is allowed to be taken by children over 12 years old, pregnant women (if prescribed by a doctor). Does not affect the level of acidity.
2. "Almagel". Complex drug for heartburn. It is produced in the form of a suspension. The medicine envelops the stomach, thereby relieving the patient of heartburn. Suspension is not used in violation of the kidneys. It is forbidden to combine this medicine with sulfa drugs.
3. "Maalox". The drug is available in several dosage forms: suspension, powder, tablets. It is strictly forbidden to use in case of renal insufficiency. In addition, the drug can not be combined with tetracyclines.
4. "Gastal". The drug is produced in the form of tablets. 2 pills should be taken at one time. They are recommended to dissolve slowly. It is unacceptable to take this drug in case of renal failure.

Conclusion

Heartburn is a condition that should not be tolerated. Moreover, there is no need to hope that it will pass on its own. This is the first "bell" of the body that it needs help. Do not ignore such signals, and good health will be provided to you!

People don’t worry too much when they have heartburn, because it can be endured or eliminated by taking the right pill. Meanwhile, this symptom is very dangerous and may indicate serious diseases. Do not tolerate it - start treatment, but first find out what causes heartburn. Finding the cause is the first step to success.

What causes heartburn

It is known that food from the mouth enters first into the esophagus, then into the stomach. At the border of the two sections there is a sphincter, which prevents the return of food, tightly closing. This is characteristic of a healthy person. Why does heartburn happen? If the sphincter does not work properly, the contents of the stomach and even part of the food fall into the lower esophagus. This organ does not have protection from acidic enzymes, so it becomes irritated and inflamed. At the same time, a person feels a “fire” in the sternum, severe discomfort, pain, and suffers from belching.

Basically, burning occurs some time after eating, as a result of lifting weights. If such discomfort appears about once a month, we are talking about a moderate form - for its prevention, you can change the diet, lifestyle. With an average degree, the symptom occurs once a week, with severe - daily. In both cases, it is recommended to consult a doctor to rule out serious diseases.

Heartburn with gastritis

The disease is characterized by inflammation of the mucous layer of the stomach, malfunctions of this organ, poor digestion of food, loss of strength, pain in the upper abdomen. Heartburn with gastritis is a characteristic, but not an obligatory symptom. A burning sensation occurs when the contents of the stomach are thrown into the esophagus, more often it appears with a disease with high acidity. To eliminate an unpleasant symptom, dieting, taking medications can help.

During pregnancy

Many processes and phenomena that occur in women in position are associated with hormones. Every second pregnant woman is faced with a burning sensation and bitterness in her throat: on average, it appears after the second trimester and persists until the birth of a child. What causes heartburn? One of the factors of nausea and discomfort is overeating, as a result of which intra-abdominal pressure rises, digestion becomes difficult, food is thrown into the esophagus. Causes of heartburn in women:

• enlarged uterus, pressing on neighboring organs;
• relaxed under the influence of the hormone progesterone muscle sphincter.

After a meal

A burning sensation behind the sternum often occurs as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle, an incorrectly selected diet. To prevent the disease, you should give preference to safe dishes: cereals (oatmeal, rice, millet, buckwheat), low-fat cottage cheese, kefir, honey, jelly, marshmallows, zucchini, bananas, beets, carrots. What food can cause heartburn after eating? Discomfort, flatulence appear after use:

• acidic vegetables, fruits (oranges, lemons, tomatoes);
• chocolate, chocolate desserts;
• fatty foods (sausages, lard, cheeses, smoked sausages);
• alcohol;
• soda, coffee, mint tea;
• spicy food (with garlic, spices, onions, horseradish, radish);
• fast food (chips, hot dogs).

Heartburn after every meal - causes

Junk food is not the only factor in the appearance of discomfort. If discomfort, diarrhea, and other disturbances occur regularly after each meal, they may indicate gastrointestinal disease. Why heartburn after eating? The symptom is typical for:

• chronic gastritis with high acidity;
• peptic ulcer;
• inflammation of the gallbladder;
• reflux disease;
• duodenitis;
• hernia of the food opening of the diaphragm;
• obesity;
• complications after gallbladder removal.

After alcohol

Any alcoholic beverages have a negative effect on the human digestive system. If you take them for a long time, all organs become vulnerable: the mucus that protects the stomach ceases to be produced, erosion forms, hydrochloric acid begins to act more aggressively, a person is tormented by a burning sensation in the throat. Heartburn after alcohol - causes: the esophageal sphincter is in a relaxed position, stops contracting and passes gastric juice. Strong consequences appear with the simultaneous use of alcohol with salty, spicy, fatty foods.

On empty stomach

Prolonged, uncontrolled fasting does not benefit the body - the digestive system suffers greatly from this. When the time comes for eating, the digestive tract prepares for the processing of products: they secrete gastric juice, form bile. If the body does not receive food from time to time, burning attacks gradually begin to appear. Without food, the juice breaks down the surrounding tissues, including the esophagus. Heartburn on an empty stomach - causes:

• involvement of the esophagus in the inflammatory process;
• weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter.

In the morning

If bloating, burning pains and other unpleasant signs are rarely disturbing, most likely there is no pathology. If you are worried every day, you should be alert and think about eliminating the causes. Why morning heartburn? Causes:

1. A heavy dinner before bed: the digestive system is less active at night, so the food does not have time to be digested.
2. Gastrointestinal diseases: ulcer, gastritis, esophagitis, exacerbation of pancreatitis.
3. Cancer of the esophagus, stomach.
4. Impaired motor function of the stomach.
5. Early, late pregnancy.
6. Taking medications (hormonal, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, nitrates).
7. Smoking.

At night

The appearance of a symptom in the evening, at night, can be facilitated by many factors. Nighttime heartburn - causes:

• binge eating;
• constant abuse of coffee, alcohol, soda;
• smoking after dinner;
• frequent stress;
• pregnancy;
• spicy, fatty foods;
• taking medications;
• physical activity immediately before meals;
• weak muscles responsible for the movement of food to the esophagus;
• obesity;
• eating large amounts of sweets, such as chocolate;
• adding peppermint to the drink;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

After removal of the gallbladder

The operation is carried out in order to improve the quality of life of people, but often its consequences are burning pain in the throat, belching with air. What are the causes of heartburn after gallbladder removal? After the operation, bile begins to enter the small intestine, even if there is no food there. Gradually, it acts on the mucous membrane of the organ, on the sphincter, weakening the muscles. For this reason, the obturator function of the esophageal organ decreases. In addition to bile, the onset of the disease is influenced by the forced intake of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Cause of constant heartburn

If nothing is done, the symptom may become systematic. To eliminate it, you should find out what causes heartburn in a particular person. To do this, you need to undergo an examination. Why is there constant heartburn, belching? Possible factors of its development:

• pregnancy;
• junk food (salty, flour, spicy);
• taking medications that affect the sphincter;
• surgical intervention;
• inflammatory lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases;
• wearing tight clothing;
• the use of certain products;
• overweight;
• Unhealthy Lifestyle.

Heartburn treatment

To relieve heartburn, doctors recommend a new drug Antareit.The drug has a unique combined composition for the Russian market, due to which it acts on the digestive system in a complex way: magaldrate neutralizes the increased acidity of gastric juice, stopping heartburn; has an enveloping effect, eliminating stomach pain; has adsorbing and cytoprotective effects, and simethicone absorbs excess gases, preventing belching and flatulence. The drug is not absorbed in the stomach, which avoids negative side effects and the "rebound syndrome" - increased heartburn after the end of the remedy.

Find out what duodenogastric reflux is - symptoms, treatment and prevention of the disease.

Video

Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the sternum, which is accompanied by belching, a bitter taste in the mouth, and nausea. Spreads upward from the epigastric region and may radiate to the neck, subclavian regions, or interscapular space. What to do if you are worried about heartburn every day? This will be discussed.

Disease statistics

Heartburn affects about 50% of the world's population. Since heartburn is a symptom of various diseases, it worries at least about 20% of people every day.

In the United States of America, 60 million people suffer from heartburn more than once a month, and 15 million feel it daily. The spread of this disease depends on the development of countries, culinary preferences and the quality of food. Heartburn affects those people who overeat, that is, are obese. These countries include Russia and America. Those who prefer spicy, smoked and fried foods are prone to heartburn. In Asian countries, residents prefer spices and herbs. They also often wonder why heartburn bakes every day. Heartburn appears due to bad, low-quality, raw or overly hard foods. More on this will be discussed later.

Causes of heartburn

Why does heartburn torment me every day? The main cause of heartburn is the release of the acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus. This irritates the mucous membrane and causes a burning sensation. The release of contents can be due to various factors: a weak esophageal sphincter, exercise after eating, a heavy meal, fried smoked or salty foods. Do you suffer from heartburn every day? The reasons may also be the following:

• Sensitive mucous membrane of the esophagus. In this condition, even low acidity of gastric juice can cause burning.
• Increased acidity of gastric juice.
• Weak esophageal sphincter.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Overweight, pregnancy, weight lifting provoke the release of gastric juice into the esophagus due to high pressure in the abdominal cavity.
• Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, fried, smoked or salty foods cause heartburn. They increase the secretion of gastric juice, intended for rapid digestion, and cause relaxation of the esophageal sphincter.
• Carbonated drinks, sour fruits or vegetables themselves act on the lining of the esophagus and cause a burning sensation.
• Large amount of food. The stomach is forced to stretch in order to digest the entire volume, and to secrete more gastric juice. And with a large volume, the juice affects both the sphincter and the initial section of the esophagus.
• Stressful situations and neurological diseases can also cause heartburn.
• Taking drugs that increase the acidity of the stomach causes heartburn. For example, "Aspirin" or "Ibuprofen".
• Lying down after eating or leaning forward allows acidic stomach contents to enter the esophagus and cause a burning sensation.
• Kyphosis (curvature of the spine).

Heartburn as a symptom of various diseases

Heartburn every day is a symptom of various diseases, and almost all of them are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract:

• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The main symptom is heartburn;
• peptic ulcer of the esophagus;
• stricture of the esophagus;
• Barrett's esophagus (precancerous disease);
• adenocarcinoma of the esophagus;
• gastritis;
• gastroduodenitis;
• peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
• hernia in the diaphragm, in the esophageal ring.

Heartburn symptoms

Symptoms manifest themselves in different ways and not necessarily a burning sensation. But it is this symptom that is the main and important. It also happens:

• belching of air or food recently swallowed. Moreover, the taste in the mouth will be sour or bitter;
• flatulence in the epigastric region or in the esophagus;
• nausea, vomiting;
• sensation of "coma in the throat";
• pain radiating to the neck, interscapular region, left side;
• increased salivation;
• hoarseness.

Diagnostics

Do you suffer from heartburn every day? Treatment must begin with a diagnosis. Most people are afraid of doctors, and especially gastroenterologists and endoscopists with their research methods. But it is this diagnosis that is one of the most accurate, fastest and will help you get rid of existing problems and diseases, as well as prevent the formation of new ones.

• Fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy (FEGDS). In the people it is called as "swallowing the gut." If earlier the endoscope was several centimeters in diameter, now it does not exceed the thickness of the thumb! Such a thin endoscopic apparatus is much easier to swallow. FEGDS allows you to visually assess the condition of the pharyngeal mucosa, esophagus, stomach and duodenum, as well as valves and sphincters. If cysts or tumors are present, the endoscope may remove a small amount of tissue for biopsy. It is completely painless, since there are no nerve endings in the wall of the stomach or duodenum. A sample is also taken to determine the number of microorganisms, especially for Helicobacter pylori. Since the endoscope has a flashlight, it is possible to assess the amount of gastric juice, pancreatic juice and bile in the duodenum, as well as to identify the presence of inflammation.
• Fibroesophagogastroscopy (FEGS) is the same as FEGDS, but the endoscope does not pass into the duodenum. Although the difference is not large, it is better to conduct a full examination.
• PH-metry is carried out using a nasogastric pH meter and allows you to find out the acidity in several areas.
• Manometry is used to determine esophageal motility and lower esophageal sphincter contraction force.
• X-ray examination with a contrast agent - barium. Assesses the motor function of the esophagus and stomach, lets you know about the presence of curvatures, tumors, hernia. But it cannot replace fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy, it is only an auxiliary diagnostic method.
• Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) helps to detect changes in the shape and size of the stomach, pancreas and gallbladder. Perhaps it is the inflection of the gallbladder or its increase that causes an increased secretion of juice, and as a result, this juice enters the esophagus.

Heartburn lifestyle

Heartburn is a daily inconvenience. If you have not yet gone to the doctor, and you have not been prescribed treatment, then you can use these tips. They are also applicable during treatment. A slightly different regimen of your usual lifestyle will reduce pain and prevent the release of stomach contents into the esophagus. What if heartburn every day? The following rules should be followed:

• Give up alcohol and smoking. If giving up is completely impossible, then at least reduce the number of cigarettes per day and drink alcohol only on holidays.
• Do not eat salty, smoked and fried foods.
• Reduce acidic fruits and vegetables. Give preference to viscous and sweet foods.
• Eat small meals, but often, 5-6 times a day.
• The last meal should be 2 hours before bedtime.
• After eating, you should not lie down. It is better to take a walk for 30 minutes in the fresh air.
• You should also refrain from lifting weights and tilting the body for the next 2 hours after eating.
• Do not wear corsets, slimming underwear and belts.
• Raise the head of the bed, if possible, by 10-15 cm.
• watch your weight and prevent obesity.

Medical treatment

Do you suffer from heartburn every day? Contact your doctor. You will definitely be prescribed drugs that should be taken for a certain time. Even if it seems to you that the symptoms have passed and there is no point in taking the pills further, then you are mistaken. At first, the drugs simply stop the main symptoms, and only then they are engaged in recovery and treatment. Therefore, after a sharp withdrawal, heartburn may occur the next day. In addition, all drugs must be prescribed by the attending physician. It is he who will select the drug and dosage for you individually. In pharmacies, most heartburn medicines are freely available, and you can start taking them yourself, but not more than 3 days. Then you should consult a doctor.

All drugs for heartburn act on gastric juice and reduce its acidity. Tablets are also prescribed to normalize the motor function of the stomach and esophagus. If there is inflammation of the esophagus or sensitive mucosa, then drugs are prescribed specifically to restore the membrane.

Surgery

If the drug treatment did not help, and heartburn does not cease to remind of itself every day, then the operation should save the situation. With the help of laparoscopy, the lower esophageal sphincter is changed. It is his poor performance that causes heartburn. With the help of the operation, an artificial sphincter is placed, and the patient should no longer be bothered by a burning sensation behind the sternum.

Diet for heartburn

A heartburn diet for every day will help not only get rid of heartburn forever, but also maintain normal weight, cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, and have clean and healthy skin and hair.

What should be consumed:

• Steamed vegetables and meats are ideal foods for heartburn. They are easily digestible, do not contain fatty oils and are also an excellent dietary food.
• Vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, peas, lentils are an excellent side dish or addition to a salad.
• Low-fat cottage cheese, sour cream, milk.
• Fish, lean meat and chicken.
• Bread and pasta made from wholemeal flour or cornmeal.
• brown rice
• Mineral still water.
• Compote and juice from non-acid fruits.
• Hard boiled eggs or bag.
• All possible cereals: oatmeal, buckwheat, millet, rice, semolina.

What should not be eaten:

• fried, smoked, salted;
• sour fruits and vegetables;
• juices and compotes from sour fruits and sparkling water;
• coffee, alcohol;
• spices, seasonings;
• flour products, pastries;
• chocolate;
• raw or undercooked eggs;
• omelette or scrambled eggs.

Folk ways to get rid of heartburn

Why does heartburn remind you of itself every day? What to do? Often people resort to traditional medicine. These methods cannot replace drug treatment, but will help get rid of pain, burning sensation and are an excellent option for prevention and adjuvant therapy for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract:

• Chamomile infusion or chamomile tea. Pour boiling water over a bag of chamomile from a pharmacy, dilute it with cold water after 20 minutes and drink. Drink at least three glasses a day.
• Flaxseed also helps fight heartburn and restores the lining of the stomach and esophagus. A teaspoon per glass of boiling water is left overnight and the next day it is drunk before meals.
• Juice from young potatoes also gives excellent results.

When should you go to the doctor?

If you are worried about heartburn no more than once a month, or you know for sure that heartburn was preceded by a dense and fatty meal, then a visit to the doctor is not necessary at all. In this case, you can easily adjust your diet yourself and get rid of the burning sensation behind the sternum. In the first aid kit, it is worth having a remedy for heartburn, just in case, so that after the wrong lunch or dinner you do not suffer from pain.

If heartburn bothers you often, and the rejection of products that cause burning does not help, then you should consult a doctor, undergo a full examination and be treated with the drugs prescribed for you!

Problems with the gastrointestinal tract are often hereditary, so if relatives have heartburn, then you should see a doctor to avoid this disease in the future!