HEARTBURN
Heartburn is linked to cancer. If you burp frequently and
persistently or you have stomach juice flow back to the throat, you
should see a doctor immediately. Acid indigestion (or heartburn) at
late stage may lead to cancer!!
What are the symptoms of Heartburn?
Heartburn is sometimes called acid indigestion. In addition to
heartburn, symptoms of acid reflux may include persistent sore
throat, hoarseness, chronic cough, asthma, heart-like chest pain
and a feeling of a lump in the throat. It may also include the
sensation of food or liquid coming up into the throat or mouth
(regurgitation), especially when bending over or lying down. These
symptoms may be accompanied by a bitter or acid taste.
What causes kidney stones?
Heartburn occurs when the gastric fluid refluxes or flows backward
into the esophagus. This generally occurs when the lower
esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes or is not functioning properly
(i.e. gastroesophageal reflux; GERD). Lifestyle and dietary factors
can contribute to heartburn: frequent eating before bedtime, large
portions and acidic, fatty or spicy foods, drinking too much
carbonated or alcoholic beverages, lying down or bending over
especially after meals. Other reasons include pregnancy, certain
medications, being overweight, smoking, hectic lifestyle and
wearing restrictive clothing.
What are the possible consequences of persistent heartburn?
Acid reflux can sometimes result esophagitis, i.e. an inflammation of
the esophagus. In addition, a narrowing or partial closure
(stricture) of the lower esophagus may occur. It may also lead to
Barret's esophagus, a change in the cells of the tissue lining the
bottom of the esophagus. This can increase the chance of
developing cancer. It may also cause lung problems when the
gastric fluid overflows into the breathing tubes during the reflux.
How are heartburn avoided or treated?
Many heartburn sufferers significantly reduce their burping by
avoiding the trigger foods and behaviors. Here are a few
reminders to help you better control burping:
[1] Try to stay on a regular schedule and eat smaller portions.
[2] Avoid eating meals/snacks at least 2-3 hours before lying down.
[3] Avoid or minimize intake of high-fat foods and spicy foods.
[4] Limit caffeinated, carbonated and alcoholic beverages.
[5] Stop or decrease smoking.
[6] Exercise
[7] Drink and eat slowly. Chew well.
Avoiding heartburn triggers can help, but if lifestyle adjustments
are not enough, the next line of defense is medications: antacids,
H2-blocker.
Antacids neutralize stomach acid and can be taken as needed to
relieve most heartburn symptoms quickly. H2-blockers decrease
stomach acid output. They do not work as quickly as antacids but
are far more effective because they prevent acid reflux for many
hours at a time.
This article can not be replaced for medical advice. If you have question, you should consult
with your doctor immediately. ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2007
Heartburn is linked to cancer. If you burp frequently and
persistently or you have stomach juice flow back to the throat, you
should see a doctor immediately. Acid indigestion (or heartburn) at
late stage may lead to cancer!!
What are the symptoms of Heartburn?
Heartburn is sometimes called acid indigestion. In addition to
heartburn, symptoms of acid reflux may include persistent sore
throat, hoarseness, chronic cough, asthma, heart-like chest pain
and a feeling of a lump in the throat. It may also include the
sensation of food or liquid coming up into the throat or mouth
(regurgitation), especially when bending over or lying down. These
symptoms may be accompanied by a bitter or acid taste.
What causes kidney stones?
Heartburn occurs when the gastric fluid refluxes or flows backward
into the esophagus. This generally occurs when the lower
esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes or is not functioning properly
(i.e. gastroesophageal reflux; GERD). Lifestyle and dietary factors
can contribute to heartburn: frequent eating before bedtime, large
portions and acidic, fatty or spicy foods, drinking too much
carbonated or alcoholic beverages, lying down or bending over
especially after meals. Other reasons include pregnancy, certain
medications, being overweight, smoking, hectic lifestyle and
wearing restrictive clothing.
What are the possible consequences of persistent heartburn?
Acid reflux can sometimes result esophagitis, i.e. an inflammation of
the esophagus. In addition, a narrowing or partial closure
(stricture) of the lower esophagus may occur. It may also lead to
Barret's esophagus, a change in the cells of the tissue lining the
bottom of the esophagus. This can increase the chance of
developing cancer. It may also cause lung problems when the
gastric fluid overflows into the breathing tubes during the reflux.
How are heartburn avoided or treated?
Many heartburn sufferers significantly reduce their burping by
avoiding the trigger foods and behaviors. Here are a few
reminders to help you better control burping:
[1] Try to stay on a regular schedule and eat smaller portions.
[2] Avoid eating meals/snacks at least 2-3 hours before lying down.
[3] Avoid or minimize intake of high-fat foods and spicy foods.
[4] Limit caffeinated, carbonated and alcoholic beverages.
[5] Stop or decrease smoking.
[6] Exercise
[7] Drink and eat slowly. Chew well.
Avoiding heartburn triggers can help, but if lifestyle adjustments
are not enough, the next line of defense is medications: antacids,
H2-blocker.
Antacids neutralize stomach acid and can be taken as needed to
relieve most heartburn symptoms quickly. H2-blockers decrease
stomach acid output. They do not work as quickly as antacids but
are far more effective because they prevent acid reflux for many
hours at a time.
This article can not be replaced for medical advice. If you have question, you should consult
with your doctor immediately. ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2007
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