While occasional heartburn may not be concerning, ongoing heartburns indicate problems with your diet or a symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). For many people, heartburn is a common and often transient pain that usually occurs after consuming spicy meals.
But if you notice the discomfort is frequent, you need medical attention. Your doctor, upon reviewing your symptoms and performing a physical exam, may initially detect the problem. To confirm the reason, your healthcare provider may give you some tests. Talk to the top gastro doctor in Siliguri City for effective relief.
Heartburn: An Overview
Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart, despite its name. It feels like a burning sensation or pain in the chest area. Usually occurring after eating, heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest (behind the breastbone) that may get worse while leaning over or lying down.
It happens when acid from your stomach returns to the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the mouth and stomach. This burning sensation you feel is caused by acid reflux, which is a backflow that irritates the lining of the esophagus.
Common Symptoms
From minor pain to severe pain, heartburn symptoms can vary widely and the burning sensation in your throat and chest is the most typical symptom.
- Pressure or soreness below your breastbone
- Trouble swallowing
- A burning feeling in your throat
- coughing, or hoarseness
- Increasing discomfort when bending over or lying down
- A bitter or acidic taste that you feel in your mouth
Typical Reasons for Persistent Heartburn
Chronic or persistent heartburn can be caused by a number of circumstances. These consist of:
Lifestyle and Nutritional Practices
The muscle that prevents stomach acid from passing down your esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), might relax as a result of certain food choices and habits, including:
- Hot dishes
- Fried or fatty meals
- Certain fruits and liquids with citrus
- Chocolate
- Caffeinated drinks
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Eating late at night or in huge quantities
Being Overweight
Being overweight, especially around the abdomen, puts additional strain on the stomach and can cause acid to be forced into the esophagus. This instance increases the frequency of reflux attacks.
Hiatal Hernia
When the upper portion of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity, it causes a hiatal hernia. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), is the valve that typically prevents stomach acid from exiting the esophagus, and you may sense a pain radiating throughout your chest region.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy-related heartburn can be brought on by hormonal fluctuations. Also, it may result from the expanding uterus's strain on the stomach. It can be really unpleasant even though it's generally temporary. Seek advice from the best gastroenterologist in Siliguri City.
Medications
Certain drugs can aggravate the esophagus or weaken the it, which can lead to the feeling of heartburn, including:
- NSAIDs (such as aspirin and ibuprofen)
- Some antibiotics
- Medicines for high blood pressure
- Antidepressants
Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of heartburn soon after starting a new medication.
Medical Conditions at the Root
Rarely, persistent heartburn might indicate more gastrointestinal problems like:
- Ulcers caused by peptic acid
- Gallbladder illness
- Disorders of esophageal motility
- Cancer of the stomach or esophagus
Seeking Expert Care
It's time to consult a professional if you've tried OTC drugs and lifestyle modifications with no improvement. Diagnostic procedures that a gastroenterologist can carry out include X-rays, endoscopy, esophageal motility testing, ambulatory acid probe tests, etc.
Medications and lifestyle modifications are the two effective treatment options for heartburn. Your doctor may prescribe H2 blockers, antacids, alginates, or proton pump inhibitors. In some cases, hernia repair surgery, antibiotics, topical steroids, etc., can treat the problem.
Chronic heartburn may be a warning sign rather than only a result of a food choice. Understanding the causes and taking early action with the help of healthcare professionals can lead to effective management and relief of heartburn. Meet your gastro doctor in Siliguri at North Bengal Neuro Centre.
