Heartburn - What Can They Cause Us And How To Avoid Them?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when the activity of the lower esophageal sphincter is impaired . This is the muscular valve that closes the stomach to prevent food from returning to the esophagus. It is also known as cardia. The burning sensation we feel behind the sternum in heartburn is caused by the stomach contents entering the esophagus and inflammation of its mucous membrane by hydrochloric acid, the protein-degrading enzyme pepsin and bile in it.

The sphincter usually opens in seconds when swallowing food, and the rest of the time it is tightly closed. However, there are cases in which it remains "loose", which creates conditions for reflux, that is, the return of food already digested in the stomach back into the esophagus.

The functions of the sphincter can be impaired for several reasons of different nature.

They are specific when the stomach is full , as well as lying down or lying down and physical activity immediately after eating. Usually this problem manifests itself in half - one hour after eating or after falling asleep. It is possible for the sphincter to "loosen" even with too much exercise , whether it is intense training or strenuous physical exertion, such as lifting weights. Due to mechanical reasons, the sphincter may remain incompletely closed when there is pressure on the side of the abdominal cavity. Therefore, pregnant women and people with obesity should complain of heartburn.

Heartburn often occurs not as a result of disease, but as a mistake related to healthy eating. Because the systemic entry of gastric contents into the esophagus can injure the lining of the esophagus and create conditions for its inflammation. Chronic inflammation, alas, is insidious in that it predisposes to cancerous changes.

That is why it is important after a meal to leave time for the body to rest from active physical activity, but also not to go to bed immediately. Walking after a meal has a beneficial effect, and bedtime should be provided after a minimum of two hours.

It is a golden rule to stop eating to the point where you feel a little full, although there is still no feeling of fullness in the stomach. It is recommended that meals be frequent, in small portions, and not concentrated in one main meal in the evening.

Experts explain that sometimes errors in the activity of the sphincter occur when eating too fast, which is typical of leading a dynamic lifestyle. However, eating on foot has its price - in this case, rapid ingestion of food confuses the rhythm of the digestive tract and takes in more air, which swells the stomach and abdomen, returning air back to the mouth - excessive belching and heartburn. Chewing food more slowly, in addition to avoiding this problem, does not absorb excess calories, but also suppresses stress. Sometimes it becomes a factor in weakened cardiac tone, which already dooms the acids to more serious therapy.

Heartburn also occurs with more difficult-to-digest foods that stay in the stomach longer. This category includes meat and meat products, as well as all those rich in animal fats, fried and spicy dishes.

Carbonated drinks , but also those containing caffeine - not only the car, but also coffee and strong tea - also contribute to bloating and heartburn .

Among the factors we can influence are smoking and alcohol use . Smoking predisposes to heartburn and heartburn, as it has the effect of weakening muscle tone, and the systematic use of alcohol can directly damage the lining of the esophagus and cause inflammation there.

Medical factors include a diaphragmatic hernia and preventing the stomach from emptying to the lower part of the digestive system.

Gastroesophageal disease may also be due to frequent diaphragmatic contractions due to irritation of the diaphragmatic nerve, such as hiccups.. In this case, the complaint of burning may be accompanied by pain between the shoulder blades, neck, lower jaw and the left half of the chest.

The condition of the affected person deteriorates drastically when gastroesophageal reflux causes nausea and vomiting , which leads to refusal to eat with all subsequent complications.

Untreated gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause respiratory disease , bronchitis, pneumonia, cardiovascular damage, even sinusitis and even caries .
 

What else can help prevent heartburn when the problem is not medical in nature?

• Especially for pregnant women who complain of heartburn helps the placement of a higher or extra pillow, which prevents reflux during sleep.

• Strive to have the correct posture / body position - an upright back helps prevent reflux.

• In addition to limiting heavy, spicy and caffeinated products, avoid citrus fruits and those with menthol, tomatoes.
• Burning sometimes occurs as a result of taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin.

We advise you not to delay the consultation with a specialist in case of systemic complaints of heartburn, as in the next stage swallowing may become painful (the condition is called odynophagia), there may be difficulties in eating or feeling obstructions in the course of food to the stomach (dysphagia). ).

In untreated gastroesophageal reflux disease, there is a risk of esophageal hemorrhage , which requires urgent medical attention.

As a rule, if your heartburn bothers you more than twice a week, seek out a gastroenterologist for effective treatment.