Heartburn Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Heartburn is a complaint of pain in the middle of the upper abdomen (epigastrium).
This condition is a symptom and not a disease in itself.
Therefore, it is very important to carry out further evaluation to determine the possible underlying causes.
Reason
Here are some causes of heartburn:
- inflammation of your stomach, liver, pancreas, or intestines
- heart problems, such as a heart attack
- digestive problems, such as indigestion, GERD, or lactose intolerance
- medical conditions, such as ulcers, hernias, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or cancer
- blockage in the intestine or gallbladder
- bladder infection
- previous injury or surgery to your abdomen
However, the most common cause of heartburn is stomach acid rising into the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
When a person swallows, a ring of muscles located at the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, relaxes so that the food and liquid consumed can enter the stomach.
After that, the sphincter contracts again. If the lower esophageal sphincter is abnormally relaxed or weak, stomach acid can back up into the esophagus.
This condition is called gastric acid reflux and causes a person to experience heartburn.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for heartburn can include:
- unhealthy diet
- smoking
- alcohol consumption
- taking long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Diagnosis
Because stabbing pain in the stomach is a symptom, it is important to determine the diagnosis of the underlying disease.
This can be done by means of a detailed medical interview, direct physical examination, and certain supporting examinations if deemed necessary.
Several types of supporting examinations that can be carried out are:
- imaging using X-rays, to assess the shape and condition of the esophagus and stomach
- endoscopy, to evaluate for abnormalities in the esophagus. Tissue samples or biopsies can be taken for further analysis
- of esophageal motility examination, to determine movement and pressure on the esophagus
Treatment
Management and treatment of heartburn depend on the underlying cause.
If heartburn is assessed to be related to increased stomach acid after a medical interview and direct physical examination, the doctor can prescribe medication to help reduce stomach acid levels.
You can consult a general practitioner. However, if you feel that you are not getting better, you can consult an internal medicine specialist.
Related Drugs
Some heartburn medications that are commonly prescribed by doctors include:
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Antacids
Antacids are drugs that work to neutralize stomach acid.
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Sucralfate
Sucralfate acts primarily in the stomach lining and is not highly absorbed into the body.
Sucralfate adheres to the stomach wall and protects it from acids, enzymes and bile salts.
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Omeprazole
Omeprazole belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Omeprazole works by reducing stomach acid production.
Prevention
Lifestyle modifications can be implemented to prevent heartburn. Here are some of them.
- Keeping weight stable. Excess weight will increase pressure on the abdomen and push the stomach upwards. This is what causes stomach acid to rise up into the esophagus.
- Avoiding tight clothing, which can increase pressure on the abdomen and lower esophageal sphincter.
- Avoid consuming foods that can trigger heartburn. For example, spicy foods, citrus fruits, sour foods, coffee, chocolate, and fizzy drinks.
- Avoid lying down after consuming food, for at least three hours.
- Avoid eating too late.
- Avoiding smoking, which can decrease the lower esophageal sphincter’s ability to function properly.
Complications
Usually, epigastric pain itself does not cause serious complications.
However, it can affect your quality of life by causing discomfort when eating or doing activities.
Some of the other complications are:
- cancer of the esophagus, stomach, or other organs
- scarring and narrowing of the esophagus
- myocardial infarction (heart attack), if the pain is caused by angina
- malnutrition due to decreased food intake
When to See a Doctor?
Heartburn is generally not something to worry about. However, if you have severe or persistent pain, see your doctor immediately.
Also, watch for the following signs:
- pain does not improve with over-the-counter medications
- heartburn accompanied by chest pain that feels like a heavy object is carrying it
- a cold sweat
- severe nausea, vomiting or nausea, vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours in adults
- unable to eat and drink
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- cough up blood
- blood in the stool
- accompanied by a high fever
- loss of consciousness