Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain is often worse when lying down or bending over. Occasional heartburn is common and no cause for alarm. Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn on their own with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. Heartburn that is more frequent or interferes with your daily routine may be a symptom of a more serious condition that requires medical care.

Symptoms of heartburn include:

A burning pain in the chest that usually occurs after eating and may occur at night
Pain that worsens when lying down or bending over

When to see a doctor
Seek immediate help if you experience severe chest pain or pressure, especially when combined with other signs and symptoms such as pain in the arm or jaw or difficulty breathing. Chest pain may be a symptom of a heart attack.

Make an appointment with your doctor if:

• Heartburn occurs more than twice a week
• Symptoms persist despite use of over-the-counter medications
• You have difficulty swallowing
• You have persistent nausea or vomiting
• You have weight loss because of poor appetite or difficulty eating

Causes

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach (esophagus). Normally when you swallow, a band of muscle around the bottom of your esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach. Then the muscle tightens again. If the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus (acid reflux) and cause heartburn. The acid backup may be worse when you're bent over or lying down.

Risk Factors

Certain foods and drinks can trigger heartburn in some people, including:

• Spicy foods
• Onions
• Citrus products
• Tomato products, such as ketchup
• Fatty or fried foods
• Peppermint
• Chocolate
• Alcohol, carbonated beverages, coffee or other caffeinated beverages
• Large or fatty meals

Being overweight or pregnant also can increase your risk of experiencing heartburn.
Treatments and drugs

Treatment

Many over-the-counter medications can help relieve heartburn. The options include:
Antacids, which help neutralize stomach acid. Antacids may provide quick relief. But they can't heal an esophagus damaged by stomach acid. H-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), which can reduce stomach acid. H2RAs don't act as quickly as antacids, but may provide longer relief. Proton pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR) and omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), which also can reduce stomach acid. If over-the-counter treatments don't work or you rely on them often, see your doctor. You may need prescription medication.

Source: mayoclinic.com.ng