Heartburn what is it? Drugs for heartburn

Heartburn belongs to the common signs of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Approximately 5-19% of the adult population experiences this unpleasant phenomenon at least once a week, and 7% - every day. A symptom that manifests itself about an hour after eating, most often described as a burning sensation behind the sternum, and there is heartburn. What is gastroesophageal reflux disease? This is one of the causes of heartburn, which occurs as a result of improper operation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Fortunately, when applying the appropriate method of treatment for this disease can get rid of.

Causes of heartburn

Until recently, it was believed that heartburn in the abdomen appears due to excessive secretion of gastric juice. However, it turns out that reflux is associated with an incorrect operation of the lower sphincter, which opens not when it should do so. The cause of this phenomenon is very often a too weak contraction or very loose work of the entire esophagus.

Reflux may be a consequence of a hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm - a dilatation of the diaphragm (the muscles that separate the thorax from the abdominal cavity) of the opening through which the esophagus passes.

In a normal situation, the muscles should tightly cover the final segment of the esophagus and thereby support its work. Another reason for heartburn may be a too full stomach. In this case, he can not cope with the digestion of food and pushes some of the contents back into the esophagus. Very rarely, the cause of reflux can be a wrong structure of the gastrointestinal tract.

Factors that increase heartburn

Unpleasant burning sensation in the stomach or esophagus, usually occurs after overeating, eating too fatty, spicy, flavored or excessively carbohydrate-rich foods.

Heartburn is worse with such factors:

• Incorrect nutrition.
• With a change in the position of the body.
• Excessive physical activity.
• In the course of work requiring a bent position of the body.

The medications for heartburn, as a rule, soften the symptoms caused by this way. But in some cases, a burning sensation may indicate more serious diseases.

Symptoms of Heartburn

The main symptom is a burning sensation in the esophagus, which causes heartburn and pain in the stomach. It can extend along the entire length of the esophagus and, therefore, reach the thorax. Sometimes increases with a sharp change in position. In addition, it can accompany a sour taste in the mouth and belch. Heartburn occurs, usually after eating, when the process of digestion occurs. Calcification of soft tissues cause fatty and heavy meals, as well as overeating.

Why should the contents of the stomach not be in the esophagus?

Hydrochloric acid and enzymes of the stomach should not penetrate into the esophagus. Only the wall (inner layer) is protected from the corrosive action of acids. The mucosa of the esophagus is more sensitive in its structure to the enzymes of the stomach. Therefore, the acid medium slowly destroys the walls of the esophagus, causing at the first stage loosening and redness - inflammation of the mucous membrane.

Complications after illness

The first symptom of damage to the esophagus may be reddening of the mucosa. The next stage is the appearance of erosion, minor damage to the integrity of the mucous membrane (small wounds). When it comes to the appearance of ulcers, that is, deep defects, you can talk about serious problems with the esophagus.

In some cases, seals are determined, which are the consequence of wound healing. Sometimes the epithelium is replaced by another type: gastric or intestinal (in the case of a progressive disease that lasted many years). This phenomenon is called the esophagus Barretta. This is a symptom of a severe form of reflux disease, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer (precancerous condition).

Complications of inflammation of the esophagus include:

• Narrowing of the esophagus.
• Ulcer and bleeding from it.
• Puncture of peptic ulcer with clinical consequences.
• The so-called Barretta esophagus.

All diseases of the digestive tract require a visit to the doctor. If suspected of a malaise (characteristic symptoms: heartburn, nausea, eructation) is recommended to visit a specialist. The doctor decides what examinations need to be done to confirm or exclude the alleged disease. Also, if necessary, he will prescribe medications for heartburn and other manifestations of the disease.

X-ray examination of the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract

Radiologist during the evaluation assesses the path of passage through the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, recognizes anatomical abnormalities relating to these organs (hernia of the esophagus of the diaphragm, stricture of the esophagus). However, this study does not allow to determine whether there are inflammatory changes in the esophagus.

Gastroscopy

More detailed information is given by examination of the upper segment of the gastrointestinal tract, carried out with the help of an endoscope, that is, gastroscopy. It allows to assess in detail the surface of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, exacerbation of the inflammatory process in the esophagus, the presence of mucosal lesions (erosion), and the appearance of possible complications: ulcers and constrictions. The study helps to identify serious diseases: the esophagus Barretta and the early stages of esophageal cancer.

Methods for preventing heartburn

• After eating, you must wait at least an hour before you lie down or begin to perform actions that require great effort.
• First of all, avoid the position in which the chest is tilted forward. In case of problems with heartburn, you should not wear too tight belts.
• Raise the upper body during sleep, putting, for example, additional pillows at the head of the bed.
• Avoid foods that can cause heartburn. What is the wrong diet and what foods can provoke gastroesophageal reflux disease, you can check with a specialist.
• Chocolate helps relax the muscles of the sphincter.
• Because of consumption of orange juice, lemon or grapefruit, heartburn occurs. Acidity in the stomach sometimes exceeds the allowable limits.
• Fats, protein and calcium, contained in milk, stimulate the production of gastric juices.
• Why is heartburn permanent? Especially noticeable manifestations can be after taking fatty foods. These include: butter, cheese, sauces, confectionery and others.
• Mint helps relax the muscles of the esophageal sphincter, which contributes to the emergence of reflux.
• Onion, as well as spices, irritates the mucous membrane of the esophagus, thereby increasing the burning sensation in the stomach.
• Avoid drinks that can cause heartburn. What are fizzy drinks and alcohol for the digestive tract? They can contribute to the ailments that are associated with reflux. Avoid all kinds of soda, as they are one of the main causes of flatulence and heartburn. Alcoholic beverages, such as wine, beer and other spirits, help relax the muscles of the esophageal sphincter, thereby increasing the risk of heartburn. Also, coffee and tea irritate the mucous membrane and help relax the sphincter.
• Reduce the amount of food consumed. People suffering from heartburn should eat food in small amounts, but often. Especially harmful is a large meal in the evenings.
• Control your weight. In people with overweight, the likelihood of GI disease is much greater than in people with normal body weight.

Treating heartburn

What therapy gives in to heartburn? What does this treatment require to change in lifestyle? Your main goal should be useful habits, as they play an important role in the case of heartburn. Eating with chili, salsa and pepper can cause a sharp increase in the level of acid in the body, which can accelerate the formation of this disease.

• Adjust your diet. It is also important to refrain from overeating. The most suitable method for fighting heartburn is eating three times a day. If you feel the need for food, you can make a light snack between meals.
• Drink water in large quantities. It plays an important role in regulating gastric acid. Most health experts recommend drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water a day. You should refrain from consuming liquids such as juices, coffee and milk, with food, because they can increase the level of acid in the body. Also, avoid alcohol and do not smoke, as both these stimulants contribute to the formation of heartburn.
• Practical tips: try sleeping with two or three pillows under your head so that the whole body lies on the bed below your head. Avoid wearing tight clothing, as this is harmful to health. Try not to wear tight jeans and T-shirts.

Drugs that help with heartburn:

• Antacids: Rennie, Almagel. Take three times a day for 5-10 ml five days.
• Antisecretory drugs: "Omez", "Pariet", "Lanzap". Take in the morning before eating 20 mg each. The course is about five weeks.
• H2-histaminoblockers: "Famotidine", "Ranitidine." Take 300 mg per day for ten days.
• The preparation "Motilak". Drink one tablet in the event that there is vomiting, nausea, or heaviness.

Home Remedies for Heartburn

What to drink from heartburn? An unpleasant illness can be prevented with the help of natural remedies.

Some of the popular treatments for heartburn are:

• If you want to reduce pain and upset stomach, take ginger. Fresh root can be added to food or tea.
• Green tea is very effective in reducing the symptoms of heartburn. It helps our body in the process of digestion and soothes sensitive stomach tissue.
• What to drink from heartburn? Herbal teas are also very effective in dealing with problems associated with heartburn. Those that contain a small amount of ginger, the root of licorice, chamomile and mint, help restore the mucous membrane of the stomach. After dinner, you need to brew the finished tea and cook the infusion: in a glass of boiling water, add a teaspoon of selected herbs. To drink it is better before a dream on a half-glass.

If the problem is serious, your doctor may recommend pills for heartburn. The price of such drugs is in the available ranges: from 60 rubles to 1500 rubles. But, nevertheless, many people are afraid to take conventional medications because of side effects. In this case, it is worth considering the use of baking soda to reduce unpleasant symptoms.

Soda against heartburn

Baking soda is an alkali that neutralizes the acid in the stomach. In principle, this is a natural antacid. Nevertheless, one should be very careful when using alkali, although soda is effective from heartburn. How to dilute it, so as not to disrupt the dosage and at the same time completely neutralize the stomach acids? Soda is an effective remedy for heartburn. This drug can be taken for a long period of time.

The court on reviews, helps baking soda from heartburn. How to breed it? Dissolve half a teaspoon of baking soda in half a glass of water. Make sure that the powder is completely dissolved, then drink. As a rule, it is not recommended to drink more than seven cups of this mixture for one day. When soda does not help get rid of heartburn, you should immediately go to the doctor. People suffering from high blood pressure should refrain from using this remedy for heartburn: it contains a large amount of sodium. In addition, this method is not indicated for pregnant women, since this causes a water retention in the body.

Heartburn - an occasion to consult a doctor!

Do not underestimate the pain and burning sensation in the stomach when heartburn occurs. Causes, folk remedies used to eliminate them, may differ depending on the severity of the disease. Home medicine can be used with rare manifestations of this ailment, but when the symptoms are permanent, you should immediately seek help from a specialist.