Heartburn – A Daily Happening For 10% Of Americans.

Introduction

Heartburn is a digestive problem that is created when stomach acid comes into contact with the lining of the esophagus, causing irritation. It has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the heart though the effect may be confused with heart pain and vice versa and is the most common sign of a disease called gastroesophageal reflux or acid reflux. It is frequently called acid indigestion and usually takes place after meals and is a daily occurrence for about ten percent of Americans and up to 50% of pregnant women.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acid indigestion and a heart attack may feel the same. One of the most frequent symptoms is spitting up. Heartburn symptoms are just flat-out uncomfortable and down right painful. However, many persons will only experience the milder symptoms. Take heed and treat it, especially if you feel symptoms regularly. The good news is that altering your dietary habits can go a long way toward preventing acid indigestion and other signs of GERD.

Heartburn is typically easy to diagnose from the description you give to your physician. If there is any question concerning the diagnosis, you may have the following tests to check for ulcers or other conditions that might be causing your symptoms: barium swallow x-ray study of the esophagus, total upper GI (gastrointestinal) barium x-ray study of the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine endoscopy: a procedure in which a thin flexible tube with a small camera is placed in your mouth and down into your stomach so your physician can see your esophagus and stomach.

To help decrease the symptoms you can attempt not to put much pressure on the sphincter muscle. Get emergency care if the following happens with the heartburn and do not go away within 15 minutes of therapy: shortness of breath; sweating; weakness; or arm, back, or chest pain.

Foods

To minimize attacks, a person may find benefit in staying away from certain foods that relax the opening between the stomach and esophagus, including chocolate, peppermint, and chamomile tea shortly before bedtime. Restricting diet is very important, because 90-95% of sufferers of heartburn or esophageal disorder can link their symptoms to certain foods. If the person notices that certain foods tend to make the condition grow worse, or more frequent, they would be better served to avoid them, or at least speak to the physician about products that may help diminish the amount of stomach acid that can create acid reflux.

Conclusion

Heartburn usually is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the rise of stomach acid back up into the esophagus. Acid indigestion and reflux are very common, with ten percent of the population experiencing these symptoms at least one time a week and can be brought on or made worse by pregnancy and by many different drugs.

It is common malady, and an occasional episode is generally nothing to be concern about. Relief in the form of milk can be effective and consuming a small amount of milk regularly over a period of time can begin to heal the effects as it washes acid back into the stomach.

A simple and relatively safe way to treat a one time heartburn is to consume a solution of a small amount of Sodium bicarbonate mixed with water, which quickly neutralizes the acid that creates the pain. Chewing gum can provide short-term relief by stimulating the production of saliva, which dilutes and flushes out stomach acid. When heartburn occurs often, however, or becomes severe, you should consult your health care provider.

Ricardo Henri is the webmaster of Natural Remedies,Treatments And Cures,a website with a plethora of info concerning taking care of your own bodywithout depending on drugs and needless surgery. Subscribe to his monthly newsletter @ rapid natural cures or quick natural treatments