What exactly does heartburn feel like?
Heartburn symptoms?
Heartburn is typically described as a burning sensation behind the chest. Reflux disease, which occurs when acidic stomach contents rises into the oesophagus and causes a thickening sensation, may be the cause of frequent or recurring heartburn.
Heartburn Treatment
The basic method for self-treatment of heartburn is to avoid circumstances and foods that trigger it. Temporary heartburn can be addressed with over-the-counter pharmacy goods and heartburn medications including antacids, sucralfate, and other stomach lining protectors. Remember to visit a doctor if your heartburn symptoms do not improve within two weeks, or if you are experiencing extreme pain, weight loss, radiating pain, or difficulty swallowing.
Heartburn and diet
Heartburn symptoms may be associated with eating or certain meals. Heartburn and stomach burning may worsen, particularly after eating a lot or ingesting foods and drinks that irritate the stomach. Citrus fruits, peppers, cabbage, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, strong spices, and fatty foods can all trigger heartburn. Heartburn can be caused by some drinks, including coffee, tea, cocoa, soft drinks, acidic juices, and alcohol.
In addition to the items listed above, haste, stress, obesity, pregnancy, and smoking can all contribute to heartburn. These factors can stimulate gastric acid secretion or relax the oesophageal sphincter, resulting in heartburn sensations.
It is critical to be aware of potential heartburn causes and avoid them as much as possible. Diet and lifestyle changes, including as eating quietly, selecting healthy foods and beverages, managing stress, losing weight, and stopping smoking, can help avoid or alleviate heartburn symptoms.
Heartburn medication
Heartburn medications are effective treatments for heartburn. Heartburn medications treat stomach burning and hyperacidity.
Short-acting heartburn medication is used for transient heartburn and hyperacidity
Short-acting heartburn medications, such as antacids, which neutralise stomach acid, sucralfate formulations, and alginic acid, provide immediate relief from heartburn symptoms. They neutralise stomach acid, soothe stomach burning, and alleviate the unpleasant sensation of heartburn. These heartburn medications can be used for a short period of time if the symptoms are minimal or only occur occasionally.
Long-acting heartburn medication
Long-acting heartburn medications inhibit or diminish the secretion of stomach acid over time. This is a great way to relieve heartburn symptoms. Long-acting heartburn drugs, which limit excessive acid output, can also be used to repair stomach mucosal injury if prescribed by a doctor.
A long-acting heartburn medicine provides longer-lasting relief from heartburn, as its effects can last up to a day, however they begin slightly slower than short-acting heartburn medications. Follow the instructions for using the long-acting heartburn medication and ensure that you take it correctly and at the appropriate time, such as when eating.
Consult a doctor about heartburn if:
- Heartburn symptoms persist despite over two weeks of self-treatment.
- Heartburn occurs frequently or regularly.
- Self-care remedies may not provide adequate alleviation.
- There are pains in the stomach and chest
- Heartburn is associated with difficulties swallowing, vomiting, or weight loss.
- There is an unexpected discomfort under the sternum.
In these cases, a doctor’s evaluation is required to determine possible other causes and to begin proper treatment.
