Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest that may gradually move up your neck or throat. It may be accompanied by a bitter, acidic, or sour taste in your throat or mouth. Additionally, you might experience pain in the chest when you bend or lay down. A heartburn episode may last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
There are many causes, symptoms and treatment of this disorder, which we will cover in this article. Give us a call and a UK pharmacy can provide all the required medications at your doorstep.
What causes heartburn?
The food and fluids we intake through the mouth are carried into the stomach through a long tube called the esophagus. At the bottom of the esophagus, there is a valve-like structure called the esophageal sphincter. This valve opens to let the food pass, and it closes to hold the content down in the stomach. Once the food enters the stomach, digestion starts and the acid in the stomach breaks the food down for absorption. The stomach is designed to withstand this acidic mixture, while the esophagus cannot.
In some cases, due to the malfunctioning or weakening of the esophageal sphincter, the acidic content of the stomach flows back to the esophagus. It irritates the esophagus leading to heartburn. This condition is referred to as reflux.
Heartburn is fairly common and can range from regular to severe depending on the intensity of the reflux. Some medical conditions that lead to heartburn are as follows:
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Hiatal Hernia - When part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest.
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Pregnancy - During pregnancy, the lower esophageal sphincter may relax due to progesterone hormone causing the stomach content to regurgitate into the esophagus.
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GERD - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Besides this, certain foods and lifestyle habits can trigger heartburn.
Some offending foods:
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Onions
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Citrus fruits or juices
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Tomatoes or tomato-based products like sauces
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Alcohol
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Fried foods or foods that is high in fat
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Carbonated beverages
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Caffeinated beverages
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Spicy food
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, kiwi, strawberries, etc. are a rich source of Vitamin C and are beneficial for the human body. But for some people, it may trigger symptoms of heartburn, so such individuals should avoid them.
Incorrect Lifestyle choices:
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Being obese
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Smoking
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Consuming large portions of food
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Eating too close to bedtime
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High-stress levels
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Consuming certain medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, or ibuprofen
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Wearing tight clothes and belts
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Eating food too quickly
Every individual has a different reaction to different food groups. To track the food that seems to affect you the most, you need to maintain a journal. Track your intake, the time you ate, and any other activity that you think may cause heartburn. Over time this journal will help you understand which food or habits offend your system, causing heartburn.
How is heartburn treated?
Often heartburn can be treated with over-the-counter medications from the UK pharmacy while avoiding the foods and habits that trigger the symptoms. A few more tips to prevent heartburn are:
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Sleeping on the left side may aid in digestion and removal of acidic content from the stomach and esophagus faster.
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Raising the head of your bed by placing books or 6-inch blocks under the bed posts below the head can raise your head and chest higher than your feet.
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While exercising is crucial for health, exercising immediately after your meals can aggravate heartburn. You must wait for at least two hours after a meal. Don't forget to drink plenty of water before and during exercising as it aids digestion and prevents dehydration.
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Give up smoking as the lower esophageal sphincter can become weak due to nicotine. For general health and heartburn, it is advisable to quit smoking.
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Keep your weight in check and cut down on the size of your portions during meals. Consume 4 to 5 meals instead of 3 large ones.
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Don't sleep immediately after eating. There should be a gap of 3 to 4 hours after you eat and before you lie down so that the stomach gets sufficient time to get empty.
If the symptoms are not very severe, using antacids and acid blockers from the online chemist may help to treat your heartburn,
Antacids:
Antacids lower the levels of acid in your stomach, relieving heartburn symptoms. Antacids are also used to treat upset stomach, stomach pains, or indigestion problems. Antacids that contain simethicone aid in reducing gas. You can order your stomach and digestive care medication from the online pharmacy UK and cure your heartburn easily. If constipation is troubling you, don't feel embarrassed contact us soon and we will solve your problem with our meds.
Read and follow the instructions on the package or contact your medical practitioner for best results. Chew tablets well before swallowing them for quick relief.
Do not consume antacids that contain magnesium or sodium bicarbonate; they act as a laxative and can cause trouble if you have any symptoms of bowel inflammation or appendicitis
Side effects of antacids:
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White or pale bowel movements
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Constipation
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Diarrhea
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Stomach cramps
If you happen to overuse antacids or take an overdose, serious side effects can occur. Acid blockers work much in the same way as antacids, controlling the production of stomach acid, relieving heartburn. You can experience headaches, dizziness, or diarrhea with acid blockers.
If OTC and lifestyle changes don't improve your symptoms, seek medical guidance. If your experience the following symptoms call your doctor right away:
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Unexpected weight loss
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Vomiting
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Difficulty in swallowing
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Hoarseness or Wheezing
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Frequent and worse episodes of heartburn
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Discomfort hinders your routine
Even though heartburn is common, it may ring warning bells for other serious health conditions such as chronic cough, GERD, respiratory problems, inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus, and Barrett’s esophagus, which may lead to esophageal cancer.
Your doctor will study your history and symptoms and may ask you to get a few tests done for prompt diagnosis. Tests may include:
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An X-ray of the abdomen or stomach.
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An endoscopy to check the lining of the stomach or the presence of an ulcer. A tube with a camera is passed down your throat and into your stomach during this procedure.
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A pH test to determine the level of acid in your esophagus.
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Conclusion:
Although many people experience heartburn symptoms after consuming a big meal or eating certain foods, it may be due to other underlying conditions. If lifestyle alterations, diet modifications, and OTC medications from the UK pharmacy are not impactful in relieving heartburn symptoms, don't prolong visiting your doctor.