Did you know that heartburn actually has nothing to do with your heart? Heartburn is something that affects a number of people and it can be uncomfortable to deal with. Find out what you need to know about this health issue.
Heartburn refers to the irritation of your oesophagus.
This is the tube that connects your stomach to your throat. This irritation stems from the acid in your stomach which helps to break down food. When you have heartburn, the acid causes a burning feeling in your upper belly.
Tell me more about heartburn
Heartburn happens when acid flows back up through your food pipe (oesophagus), known as acid reflux.
If you suffer from chronic acid reflux, meaning you experience acid reflux more than twice a week for a long period of time, then this is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, more commonly known as GERD.
What are the symptoms of heartburn?
The symptoms of heartburn can be described simply as experiencing a burning irritation and discomfort in your chest and throat.
Here are the basic symptoms:
- Burning feeling in the middle of your chest
- A pain that rises, possibly reaching the jaw
- A pain that feels like indigestion
- A bitter, acid-like taste in your mouth
What causes heartburn?
The symptoms of heartburn can start due to an issue with the muscular valve known as your LES (lower oesophagal sphincter). This valve is found where your stomach meets your oesophagus.
Gravity is supposed to help in allowing the LES to keep your stomach acid down. When this valve is working correctly, it will open to allow the food to pass into your stomach, or to allow you to let out some air when you burp. After this, it will close again.
However, if your LES opens too often or does not close properly after letting food pass, then the stomach acid can get into your food pipe and result in that burning sensation of heartburn.
There are normally two issues that cause your LES to not tighten properly. One is when you eat too much food and the other is when too much pressure is placed on your stomach, often due to obesity, constipation or pregnancy.
Certain foods can also increase stomach acid or relax your LES:
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Onions and garlic
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Peppermint
A lack of sleep and stress can also raise the acid content in your stomach. Smoking is also known to relax your LES and increase stomach acid.
Pregnant ladies suffer from heartburn as the hormone progesterone relaxes the LES.
Home remedies for heartburn
The aim of treatment is to reduce the production of acid in your stomach.
- Limit your fat intake in your diet
- Sit up straight when you eat and avoid lying down while eating or soon after eating – wait at least 3 hours before lying down
- Avoid trigger foods and drinks
- If you are overweight, try to adhere to a healthy diet and lifestyle choices to lose weight
- Stop smoking
- Exercise
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes that put pressure on your stomach
Medical treatments for heartburn
There are a number of over the counter medications that can help in relieving the symptoms for heartburn. These include:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – These medications help to reduce stomach acid
- Antacids – These medications help to neutralize your stomach acid and often provide a form of quick relief from the discomfort associated with heartburn
- H-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) – These medications help to reduce stomach acid
When should I see a doctor for heartburn?
If you suffer from severe pressure or pain in your chest, then you need to see a doctor immediately. Chest pain is sometimes a symptom of a heart attack.
You need to book an appointment with your doctor if:
- Your heartburn symptoms do not subside after taking over the counter medication
- You struggle to swallow
- You suffer from vomiting or nausea
- You suffer from heartburn more than twice a week
- You have experienced weight loss due to issues with your appetite or eating
How to afford private healthcare
Health insurance is an affordable way to help pay the bills of private medical care.
At Oneplan, we also pay you BEFORE you see the doctor (and let you see any doctor of your choice).
Read: Medical Health Insurance That Pays You Before You See the Doctor
Each of our healthcare plans includes benefits for day to day medical bills and five of our six plans include hospital care. This makes our health insurance MUCH more than just a hospital plan.
Have a look at our plans here.
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