Heartburn, Acid reflux, Stomach acid, Burning feeling in the chest, Chest pain, Heart pain.
Root Cause of Disease
Heartburn occurs when there is an abnormal backflow of stomach juices into the esophagus, the tube that leads from the mouth to the stomach. The backflow or reflux causes a feeling of burning, warmth, or heat beneath the breastbone. The discomfort may spread in waves upward into your neck and you may get a sour taste in your mouth. Heartburn can last up to 2 hours or longer. Symptoms often start after you eat. They grow worse when you lie down or bend over and improve when you sit or stand up.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin shortly after eating and may persist for hours or fade in minutes. In addition to burning in the chest, you may have a sour taste in your mouth, coughing, or hoarseness. You may also feel like you have food “stuck” in your throat. Many people experience worsening heartburn when they lie down or bend over, because these actions allow stomach acid to move more easily into the esophagus.
Other symptoms of heartburn include:
- A burning pain in the chest that usually occurs after eating and may occur at night
- Pain that worsens when lying down or bending over
- A bitter or acidic taste in the mouth
Risk factors
Certain foods and drinks can trigger heartburn in some people, including:
- Spicy foods
- Onions
- Citrus products
- Tomato products, such as ketchup
- Fatty or fried foods
- Peppermint
- Chocolate
- Alcohol, carbonated beverages, coffee or other caffeinated beverages
- Large or fatty meals
- Being overweight or pregnant also can increase your risk of experiencing heartburn.
Home remedies to treat Heartburn
Remedy – 1 : Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is commonly used to fight symptoms of acid reflux and GERD. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce digestive symptoms such as upset stomach. Consuming chamomile tea can also reduce stress which is a key trigger for acid reflux and GERD symptoms.
You can prepare a chamomile infusion:
- Add a spoonful of flowers per cup of boiling water.
- Leave it covered for 15 minutes and after you can serve.
- Drink 2-3 cups a day.
Product link: Chamomile tea
Remedy-2 : Basil tea
You can drink basil tea after every meal, no more than a small cup. You can prepare it with 30 g of this herb and 1 liter of boiling water. Leave the tea to brew for 10 minutes, and then pour it through a strainer and drink it.
Other remedies
Baking soda
Baking soda can calm some episodes of heartburn by neutralizing your stomach acid. To do this, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it slowly.
Ripe banana
The high potassium content makes bananas an alkaline food that can help counteract stomach acid in your esophagus. But make sure it is ripe. An unripe banana will be less alkaline and, therefore, be less helpful.
When to see a doctor?
Seek help right away if you have severe chest pain or pressure, especially when combined with pain in the arm or jaw or difficulty breathing.
Make an appointment with your health care provider if:
- Heartburn occurs more than twice a week
- Symptoms persist despite use of nonprescription medications
- You have difficulty swallowing
- You have persistent nausea or vomiting
- You have weight loss because of poor appetite or difficulty eating
Preventions
- Some Avoid eating right before bedtime. A bedtime snack may be tempting. But the ACG suggests that if you leave yourself at least 2 to 3 hours to digest before lying down, you’ll lower your risk of heartburn.
- Limit alcohol consumption. If you drink, reducing the amount you drink or eliminating alcoholic drinks from your routine can lower your heartburn risk.
- Watch out for trigger foods. Did you know that you can help stop acid reflux and heartburn by changing your diet? Foods to avoid include:
- spicy foods
- tomatoes, including products like tomato sauce
- chocolate
- greasy foods
- coffee
- mint
- acidic foods, like oranges, lemons, and limes
- Quit smoking. If you smoke, quitting is a great way to reduce heartburn.
- Try relaxation exercises. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recommends relaxation strategies for heartburn relief. Your doctor can also refer you to a licensed mental health professional.
- Manage your weight. If you are overweight or have obesity, losing weight can help with your heartburn, according to the AGA.
