Types of heartburn
Depending on the location of the manifestation, there are three types of heartburn:
- retrosternal heartburn, in which the discomfort is localized behind the sternum. The cause of this type of heartburn is the weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter. Such heartburn can occur after eating, deep bends and squats, in a horizontal position of the body.
- pharyngeal heartburn, in which a feeling of discomfort manifests itself in the throat and indicates weakness of the esophageal sphincters (upper and lower);
- epigastric heartburn, discomfort is felt in the epigastric region (epigastrium) and is the result of intestinal contents entering the stomach;
Causes
Heartburn can occur for several reasons:
- eating poor-quality food;
- eating food that leads to severe irritation of the esophageal mucosa (spicy, salty, sour, citrus fruits, tomatoes and further);
- consumption of fatty foods and drinks that contribute to a decrease in the tone of the digestive sphincters (alcohol, caffeine-containing drinks);
- overeating;
- physical overexertion, coughing, tight clothing, as a result of which the pressure in the abdominal cavity increases, which leads to a backflow of gastric juice from the stomach into the esophagus;
- impaired motility of the esophagus and stomach;
- obesity;
- hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm;
- taking medications (lowering blood pressure, for the treatment of bronchial asthma, drugs containing theophylline), the effect of which leads to disruption of the esophageal sphincter;
- smoking;
- bending over or lying horizontally body;
- stress;
- pregnancy;
- tight clothing.
Symptoms
Heartburn can manifest itself as frequent discomfort in the throat and esophagus in the following cases:
- when bending
- in a lying position;
- when taking medications;
- feeling tired;
- loss of appetite;
- belching;
- chest pain, back pain;
- nausea and vomiting;
- bloody stool;
- sweating.
Diagnostics
Heartburn is not a separate disease, but is considered a symptom of various diseases.
Therefore, if signs or symptoms of heartburn are detected, especially with severe vomiting and bloody stool, you should immediately contact a gastroenterologist for consultation.
Confirmation of the presence of heartburn can be the use of antacid drugs, which help to eliminate the burning sensation.
To determine the disease of the gastrointestinal tract, the patient with heartburn is prescribed the following instrumental examinations:
- esophagogastroscopy (using the surface of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract and stomach is examined with an endoscope);
- X-ray (diagnosis of esophageal stenosis, hernias of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm);
- daily and esophageal pH-metry (a pH probe is inserted through the nose, which records the acidity values in the stomach and esophagus);
- esophageal manometry (study of the locking ability of the sphincters of the esophagus and its motility).
Treatment
Since in most cases, heartburn is only a consequence of various diseases, its treatment begins with determining the disease that causes it.
The following diseases can cause heartburn: esophagitis, gastric ulcer, gastritis, chronic cholecystitis and other diseases.
In addition to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, heartburn can be caused by diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. To treat this heartburn, you should consult a cardiologist or neurologist.
The relevant specialists prescribe drug treatment:
- taking acid-neutralizing drugs;
- taking proton pump inhibitors;
- taking drugs that normalize the function of the gastrointestinal tract;
- taking drugs that reduce acid production in the stomach;
- taking activated charcoal, baking soda.
To treat heartburn, a diet is recommended:
- taking mint (relaxes the lower gastrointestinal sphincter);
- consuming milk;
- taking cabbage and potato decoction;
- eating pumpkin and sunflower seeds, corn kernels, date pits (in extremely small doses).
If the esophageal sphincters are not functioning properly and cannot be corrected with therapeutic treatment, a surgeon consultation and surgical treatment are necessary.
Prevention
To avoid developing heartburn, it is necessary:
- eating properly and well;
- consuming spicy and salty foods in moderation;
- not overeating;
- exercising moderately without overexertion;
- refusing bad habits;
- wear loose, non-constricting clothing;
- keep a daily routine;
- get a good night's sleep on a bed with the headboard raised;
- have a good mood and avoid stress.
