Heartburn
Heartburn occurs when acid from the stomach flows back up into the gullet (oesophagus). It is also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
A valve at the top of the stomach prevents acid from leaving the stomach. If the valve doesn't function properly, acid is forced up into the gullet irritation occurs.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- burning pain behind the breastbone that may travel up to the neck
- a taste of acid in the back of the throat or mouth
- food regurgitation
These symptoms often start after a meal and are worse when bending over or lying flat. Other symptoms include chest pain, difficulty swallowing food, coughing or wheezing.
Who gets heartburn?
Heartburn usually occurs as people get older. Those who are overweight, pregnant, who smoke, overeat or wear tight clothes are more likely to experience heartburn, as are people with hiatus hernia.
Prevention
Maintaining an ideal weight, not overeating, not eating within a few hours of going to bed, not smoking and wearing loose clothing can all help in the prevention of heartburn. Reducing alcohol intake may also help.
Treatments
· Making the lifestyle changes described above is important in treating this condition.
· Raising the head of the bed helps, as do low-fat milky drinks.
· Antacids to neutralise the stomach acid, medicines that float on top of the stomach acid or drugs that reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach may be recommended.
Sometimes surgery is needed to repair the stomach valve if lifestyle changes and medication aren't controlling the symptoms.
