Pin It

Heartburn

Mary | Jul 21, 2010 |

0 Comments | Rating: 0

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest which can rise up into the neck or throat which is caused by acid from the stomach moving up into the esophagus. This is a very common condition which can be simple indigestion or a more serious condition which may need a doctor's attention. Heartburn itself is a symptom and not a condition in itself.

The acid and pain related to heartburn can be easily treated (in most cases) by using prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, or home remedies. Controlling the acid will ease the pain but some remedies take longer to work and using a pain remedy can help a person endure the wait.

The first thing that needs doing for chronic heartburn is a visit to the doctor. Your physician can determine whether your heartburn is a reaction to a food product or an underlying condition such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or another condition requiring medical treatment.

One of the more simple remedies for heartburn is eating a tablet (such as Tums) to neutralize the acid in the stomach. There are over the counter medications which if taken before eating can help stop the acid buildup before it begins.

Some people get heartburn during pregnancy or while lying down (nighttime heartburn). Special care needs to be taken before using any medication during pregnancy. Nighttime heartburn is common because the prone position can assist the acid in working its way into the esophagus.

There are many foods that can cause heartburn and those should be learned and avoided. Tomatoes and Citrus are common culprits of acid buildup but people can be sensitive to different types of food. Keeping track of what you eat throughout the day can help to determine if you have sensitivity to certain types of foods and knowing which ones trigger heartburn will help you to avoid consuming them.

Heartburn is a very uncomfortable condition which can be treated at home or with the assistance of a physician. Knowing the causes of heartburn can help to keep the acid down and the pain away.