Heartburn is a sensation of burning in the
chest caused by stomach acid backing up into the oesophagus (food pipe). The
burning is usually in the upper and central part of the chest, just behind the
sternum (breast bone). The burning can worsen or can be brought on by lying
flat or on the right side. Pregnancy tends to aggravate heartburn.
Heartburn Symptoms and Signs
Heartburn is a common cause of a
burning sensation in the chest and chest pain. It can be associated with
symptoms such as:
A sour taste in the mouth
Dry cough
Hoarseness
Sore throat & difficulty
swallowing.
Foods and beverages to avoid
Alcohol: Alcohol can relax the
lower esophageal sphincter.
Coffee and orange or other acidic
juices are some of the beverages that can worse or trigger heartburn.
Fatty foods, fried foods, and
some acidic foods (oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes) as well as spicy foods can
cause heartburn.
How is heartburn diagnosed?
Often all that a health-care
professional requires is a thorough history and physical to make the
preliminary diagnosis of heartburn. To evaluate if there is any damage and how
severe your heartburn is, the doctor my suggest some of the following tests:
Endoscopy
Upper GI series
Ambulatory pH testing
What are treatments, relief, and home remedies for heartburn?
Heartburn can be treated with
lifestyle changes and medications (over-the-counter and prescription). In rare
cases, surgical procedures are available to help with severe and chronic
heartburn (GERD).
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