Heart burn

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Heart Burn

Definition:

A form of indigestion felt as a burning sensation in the chest, caused by acid regurgitation into the esophagus.

There can be many causes for heart burn. The first of these is acid, coming up the throat. This means that some of the digestive juices found in the stomach, which help indigestion, leave the stomach and come up to the throat. Hydrochloric acid is one of these acids. Although such spicy acids are extracted in the stomach, the stomach have protective walls that do not damage the stomach. But there are no protective barriers to this acid in the esophagus. This causes a kind of pain in the esophagus. Sometimes when the effects are severe, something like a chest pain may appear.

Causes of heart burn:

v Alcohol abuse

v Over eating

v Stress

v Chocolate

v Smoking

v Obesity

v Pancreatic inflammation

v Coffeine.

Symptoms of heart burn:

v Dry mouth

v Sour/ bitter taste in mouth

v Pain in the throat

v Burning in chest/ throat

v Tooth erosion

v Chronic cough.

v Bad breath due to slight regurgitation of acidic foods.

v Stomach noises.

v Having a hard time sleeping or laying down due to pain.

v Nausea and sometimes loss of appetite.

v Gum irritation, including tenderness and bleeding.

The reason for the acids rise in the stomach is that many people incarnate glutton. But for some friends who do not over eat, this may come as an uninvited guest.

v Lie on the right side = More reflux

v Lie on the left side = Less reflux.

Don’t Over Eat:

Stomach acids are pushed up as more food fills the stomach. Although there are many causes for acid reflux, this is the main cause of occasional heart burn. Chili and some spicy spices often do not cause heart burn.

Dinner should be completed two and a half hours before bed time.

Don’t Lie Horizontally:

Don’t lie down horizontally thinking that the heart burn may be a little tilted which will aggravate the problem. Stand up straight, acid does not rise on top.

Herat burn (Additional signs of heart burn/ acid reflux)	Heart attack (Additional signs of angina/ heart attack)
Symptoms occur when bending over lifting an object lying down (especially on your back) or after meals.	Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Sensation of acid backing up into the throat or mouth	shortness of breath
Stomach fullness, upper abdominal pain, nausea	Cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
Burping, bloating, flatulence

Drugs:

If you take pills like antioxidant, get slight relief. Sometimes anesthetics, such as those taken for other ailments, can aggravate this.

 Home remedies to get rid of acidity:

1.     Cold milk:

v Calcium from cold milk stops acid build up in the stomach.

2.     Ginger:

v Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which help cure acidity.

3.     Cardamom:

v Cardamom is known to sooth the inner lining of our stomach and reduces the effects of excess acid produced.

4.     Buttermilk:

v Lactic acid in buttermilk helps dilute the acidity in the stomach.

5.     Mint leaves:

v Mint leaves help digestion and in lowering the acid content in the stomach.

6.     Banana:

v Bananas contain antacids especially a ripe banana.

7.     Cumin seeds:

v Chew cumin seeds directly or simmer in water to make cumin tea to soothe acidity.

8.     Baking soda water:

v Add a table spoon of baking soda to warm water and drink this to treat acidity.

9.     Aloevera:

v Half a cup of aloe vera juice may help reduce heart burn when consumed.

10. Chewing sugarless:

v It was found that chewing gum may stimulate salivation, which in turn works to neutralize acidity.

1.     1. What is the difference between Alka Seltzer and Tums? Which one is more effective for heartburn/acid reflux?

Ans:

v Both Alka-Seltzer and Tums are over-the-counter drugs frequently used to treat heartburn and acid reflux symptoms, but their mechanisms of action and active components vary.

v An effervescent antacid and painkiller, Alka-Seltzer. It contains citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, which when mixed with water provide a fizzing effect. As an antacid, sodium bicarbonate works to neutralize excess stomach acid and temporarily relieve heartburn and indigestion. Alka-Seltzer's effervescent properties can also aid in reducing stomach gas bubbles.

v Contrarily, Tums are chewable pills that are part of the group of drugs known as calcium carbonate antacids. Direct stomach acid neutralization is how calcium carbonate acts to quickly relieve heartburn symptoms. Additionally, Tums include calcium, which is advantageous for those who lack calcium.

v Alka-Seltzer or Tums for heartburn or acid reflux may be more beneficial, depending on your particular preference and the precise symptoms you're dealing with. Both can offer momentary relief, although their methods of action are slightly different.

v If you prefer a fizzy solution and have mild symptoms, Alka-Seltzer may be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a chewable tablet and have more frequent or severe heartburn, Tums may be more effective due to its direct acid-neutralizing action. It's important to note that if you have persistent or severe symptoms, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance on the most appropriate treatment.

2.     2. What are some foods that can help soothe heartburn symptoms?

Ans:

There are several foods that may help reduce the symptoms of heartburn if you are experiencing them. Here are some alternatives to think about:

1. Oatmeal: Oatmeal has a high fiber content and has the ability to absorb extra stomach acid, which relieves heartburn.
2. Ginger: Ginger can help calm the digestive tract and contains natural anti-inflammatory qualities. You can ingest ginger in the form of tea, sweets, or fresh ginger added to food.
3. Bananas: Because they have little acid, bananas can help balance stomach acid. They also include organic antacids, which can be soothing.
4. Green veggies: Non-citrus green vegetables with low acid content, such as broccoli, asparagus, spinach, and green beans, may help lessen heartburn symptoms.
5. Melons: Because they contain a lot of water, melons including watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew might lessen the acidity of the stomach.
6. Whole grains: Brown rice, whole wheat bread, and whole grain pasta are examples of whole grain foods that are high in fiber and can assist the body absorb gastric acid.
7. Almonds: Almonds can help neutralize gastric acid because they are alkaline. They can serve as a heartburn remedy and a healthful snack.
8. Herbal teas: Licorice, marshmallow root, and chamomile teas are well-known for their calming effects and can help ease heartburn symptoms.

It's crucial to pay attention to your body and discover any specific triggers that may make your heartburn worse. Individual sensitivities to foods can differ, so keep this in mind. For specific counsel and direction, it's also a good idea to speak with a healthcare expert.