Understand Heartburn and Acid Reflux Diseases

Gastro esophageal reflux disease otherwise known as heart burn and acid reflux are among the most prevalent conditions that are known to affect a large number of individuals globally. These diseases bring the sensation of burning in chest and throat accompanied by other bothersome symptoms making patients’ life rather challenging. For this feature, we provide details on what cases heartburn and acid reflux disease may occur, as well as possible remedies for the said diseases.

 What is Heartburn?

Heartburn or acid reflux is the process through which the stomach sends its content back to the oesophagus thus causing pain. The stomach acid causes inflammation and damage to the oesophagus lining, hence the term, ‘heartburn’. Some of the causes of heartburn include eating large meals, spicy meals, eating near bedtime, certain types of foods, and drinks among others.

 Which is Acid Reflux Disease?

Acid reflux disease, or Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a more serious condition resulting from failure of the ring-like muscle which separates the oesophagus from the stomach to work effectively: the lower oesophageal sphincter. This leads to a backward flow of the stomach acid in the oesophagus where it tears the lining and leads to inflammation. Some of the complications of acid reflux disease include stricture formation, stenosis or constriction of the oesophagus and even cancer.

 The symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux can vary in severity and may include:

– Soreness and throat and chest discomfort usually associated with heartburn.

 How common: Chest pain can be uncomfortable or even painful.

– Vomiting of food/ regurgitation or sour taste

– Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing

– Coughing or wheezing

Some of the Causes of Heartburn and Acid Reflux

 The causes of heartburn and acid reflux are often related to lifestyle factors, such as:

Eating habits: foods they eat or foods with large portions sizes or those that are spicy.

Posture: the signal to lie down especially after a meal has been given

Obesity: pressing against the stomach and the oesophagus

Pregnancy: congestional changes hormonal which contribute to the relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter

Smoking: relaxing the muscles of the oesophagus by constructing one and negative relaxing the muscles in the oesophagus by strengthening one.

Certain foods and drinks: Oranges, lemons, grapefruits, tomatoes, chocolates, coffee, teas, and any food that we would consider spicy.

 Available Management Procedures of Heartburn and Acid Reflux

 Luckily, there are some treatments which can reduce the chances of having heartburn and acid reflux. These include:

Over-the-counter medications: A study of antacids, histamine-2 (H2) blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

Lifestyle changes: dieting, portion control, avoiding foods and beverages that cause flare-ups and avoiding smoking

Prescription medications: PPIs where the forms are more severe

Surgical procedures: called fundoplication surgery which is carried out with a view to tightening the lower oesophgeal sphincter.

 Living With Heartburn & Acid Reflux

While it’s not always possible to prevent heartburn and acid reflux entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

– Maintain a healthy weight

– Eat smaller meals

– Americans should abstain or be cautious with foods and beverages that cause flare-ups.

– Quit smoking

– Do not lie down at all especially after a meal Hilf.

– Elevate the head end of your bed

– Manage stress

Therefore, it is important to note that both heartburn and acid reflux are conditions that can be cured with some changes in one’s lifestyle and other products that are in the market. In knowing these concerns and treatments relating to these ailments, asserting proper digestive health is now within one’s reach and possibility of a healthier and better life becomes achievable.

In case you are suffering from chronic or severe heartburn or acid reflux, it is advisable that you seek consultation from your doctor.

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/what-causes-heartburn-and-acid-reflux.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20373223

Websites:

Britmed Healthcare: https://britmedhealthcare.co.uk/

Nightingale Hospital: https://www.nightingalehospital.co.uk/

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