How can you quickly relieve heartburn symptoms. What lifestyle changes can prevent heartburn occurrences. Which over-the-counter medications are effective for heartburn relief. When should you consult a doctor about persistent heartburn.

Understanding Heartburn: Causes and Symptoms

Heartburn is a common digestive issue characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, often extending to the throat. This discomfort occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, a condition known as acid reflux. While occasional heartburn is normal, frequent episodes can significantly impact quality of life.

Common symptoms of heartburn include:

• A burning feeling in the chest, typically behind the breastbone
• Difficulty swallowing
• Regurgitation of sour liquid or food
• Chest pain, especially when lying down

Are certain factors more likely to trigger heartburn? Indeed, several lifestyle habits and dietary choices can increase the likelihood of experiencing heartburn:

• Consuming large meals
• Eating shortly before bedtime
• Overindulgence in fatty or spicy foods
• Drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages
• Smoking
• Being overweight or obese
• Pregnancy

Lifestyle Modifications to Prevent Heartburn

Implementing certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of heartburn episodes. These modifications focus on addressing common triggers and promoting overall digestive health.

Dietary Adjustments

Can altering your diet help prevent heartburn? Absolutely. Consider the following dietary changes:

• Avoid trigger foods such as citrus fruits, tomato-based products, chocolate, and spicy or fatty foods
• Opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption
• Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly

Timing of Meals

When you eat can be just as important as what you eat. To minimize the risk of heartburn:

• Avoid lying down for at least three hours after eating
• Refrain from late-night snacking
• Have your largest meal earlier in the day

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the frequency of heartburn episodes. Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, can increase pressure on the stomach and lower esophageal sphincter, promoting acid reflux.

Clothing Choices

Believe it or not, your wardrobe can impact heartburn occurrence. Tight-fitting clothes, especially around the waist, can increase abdominal pressure and exacerbate symptoms. Opt for looser, more comfortable clothing to reduce this risk.

Sleep Position

Elevating the head of your bed by 6-8 inches can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus during sleep. This can be achieved by using a wedge pillow or placing blocks under the bed’s head.

Quick Relief Strategies for Heartburn

When heartburn strikes, several strategies can provide rapid relief:

• Stand up straight or sit upright to help acid return to the stomach
• Drink a glass of water to help dilute and wash away acid
• Chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva production, which can neutralize acid
• Try over-the-counter antacids for immediate relief

Over-the-Counter Medications for Heartburn Relief

Various over-the-counter medications can effectively manage heartburn symptoms. Understanding the different types can help you choose the most appropriate option for your needs.

Antacids

How do antacids work to relieve heartburn? Antacids, such as Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox, neutralize stomach acid to provide quick relief. They’re ideal for occasional heartburn but may not be suitable for frequent or severe symptoms.

H2 Blockers

H2 blockers, including famotidine (Pepcid) and ranitidine (Zantac), reduce acid production in the stomach. They typically start working within an hour and can provide relief for up to 12 hours.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs, such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and esomeprazole (Nexium), offer more potent and longer-lasting acid reduction. They’re most effective when taken regularly and can take a few days to reach full effect.

Natural Remedies for Heartburn

For those preferring natural approaches, several home remedies may help alleviate heartburn:

• Baking soda mixed with water can neutralize stomach acid
• Aloe vera juice may reduce inflammation in the digestive tract
• Bananas and melons are low-acid fruits that may help counteract stomach acid
• Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the digestive system

While these natural remedies can be effective for some individuals, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before relying on them, especially if heartburn is frequent or severe.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Heartburn

While occasional heartburn is common, persistent or severe symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. When should you consult a doctor about heartburn?

• Heartburn occurs more than twice a week
• Symptoms persist despite using over-the-counter medications
• You experience difficulty swallowing
• You have persistent nausea or vomiting
• You’re losing weight unintentionally
• You have severe chest pain or pressure (which could indicate a heart attack)

These symptoms may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other digestive disorders that require medical attention.

Advanced Treatments for Chronic Heartburn

For individuals with severe or persistent heartburn that doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments, several advanced options are available:

Prescription Medications

Doctors may prescribe stronger versions of H2 blockers or PPIs for more effective acid suppression. In some cases, prokinetics may be prescribed to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and speed up stomach emptying.

Surgical Interventions

For chronic, severe cases of GERD, surgical options may be considered:

• Fundoplication: A procedure that strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter
• LINX device: A ring of tiny magnetic beads placed around the junction of the stomach and esophagus to prevent reflux
• Stretta procedure: Uses radiofrequency energy to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter

These procedures aim to reinforce the barrier between the stomach and esophagus, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux.

Long-Term Management of Heartburn

Effectively managing heartburn in the long term involves a multifaceted approach combining lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and appropriate medical interventions when necessary.

Maintaining a Heartburn Diary

Keeping a record of your meals, activities, and heartburn episodes can help identify specific triggers and patterns. This information can be invaluable in developing a personalized management plan.

Regular Check-ups

For individuals with chronic heartburn or GERD, regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are essential. These visits allow for monitoring of symptoms, adjustment of treatment plans, and screening for potential complications.

Stress Management

While stress doesn’t directly cause heartburn, it can exacerbate symptoms and lead to behaviors that trigger heartburn, such as overeating or consuming alcohol. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise can contribute to overall digestive health.

By implementing these strategies and working closely with healthcare providers, most individuals can effectively manage heartburn and improve their quality of life. Remember, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out more serious conditions and ensure appropriate treatment.

How to Get Rid of Heartburn Fast

Heartburn can be an unpleasant and even painful symptom to experience. It is typically characterized by a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest, often behind the breastbone, which results from stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. Fortunately, there are several simple methods for stopping heartburn in its tracks or reducing your chances of getting heartburn in the first place. Read on to learn how to get rid of heartburn fast. 

How To Stop Heartburn

The best way to beat heartburn is to lower your chances of experiencing it all together. By taking proactive steps to make lifestyle changes, you can avoid triggers that may exacerbate acid reflux, which may cause heartburn.

If you’re looking to decrease the frequency of heartburn and take control of your symptoms, there are a few helpful tips you can follow. These simple strategies can make a real difference in managing heartburn more effectively.

1. Maintain good eating habits

If you’re prone to experiencing heartburn, it’s wise to steer clear of trigger foods, especially those that have previously caused heartburn symptoms. Some examples of problematic foods include:

• Onions
• High-fat fried foods
• Citrus fruits like oranges
• Tomato-based products
• Alcoholic beverages

To lessen the likelihood of experiencing reflux or heartburn, it’s a good idea to avoid lying down immediately after eating. Wait two to three hours before lying down, and avoid heavy late-night meals. Opting for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day decreases the chances of experiencing nighttime heartburn symptoms.

2. Consider weight loss

Losing weight can help lessen heartburn episodes. Studies have shown that being overweight increases abdominal pressure, which can cause stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus, causing the sensation of heartburn. Maintaining a healthy weight relieves extra pressure on the abdomen and helps prevent nagging heartburn symptoms.

3. Dress comfortably

Even your clothing choices can negatively affect your heartburn symptoms. It’s best to avoid tightfitting clothing as it adds pressure to the abdomen, increasing the risk of heartburn. Skipping tight belts and waistbands and opting for comfortable, loose clothing is a better choice.

4. Elevate the head of the bed

Elevating the head of your bed can help put an end to nighttime heartburn. The most effective approach is to place a wedge between your mattress and box spring or bed frame to achieve this. Relying on extra pillows is not recommended as they tend to shift around during the night and may not provide the necessary consistent head and upper body elevation.

When You Need Fast Relief

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can help relieve heartburn symptoms if you need immediate relief. These medications include antacids and acid blockers such as h3 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPI).

1. Antacids

Antacids like Pepto-Bismol and calcium carbonate neutralize stomach acid, promptly relieving heartburn symptoms. Antacids work right away, though they do not treat the underlying cause of heartburn.

2. h3 Blockers

h3 blockers such as cimetidine and famotidine reduce stomach acid production, delivering longer-lasting relief. They typically begin working within the hour and provide up to 12 hours of relief.

3. Proton pump inhibitors

PPIs like omeprazole and esomeprazole decrease stomach acid production and offer extended relief for heartburn. PPIs have a delayed onset of action and can take a few days to be effective, but they provide extended relief.

For severe cases of heartburn, a prescription may be required for more potent doses of antacid medications.

When To See a Doctor

You should see your doctor if you are experiencing persistent heartburn that doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes or medications or if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Unintended weight loss
• Chest pain
• Worsening heartburn

Evaluating your symptoms to rule out more complicated conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is essential.

If you are bothered by chronic heartburn symptoms, schedule an appointment today!

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Related:

• Everything you need to know about heartburn
• The Secret to Beating Heartburn Without MedicationThe Best Heartburn Tips You’ll Read Today
• Heartburn Medicine Options: What You Should Know

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What is Barrett’s Esophagus? | Barrett’s Esophagus Symptoms

Endoscopic views of Barrett’s Esophagus

Symptoms

Barrett’s esophagus alone has no signs or symptoms.  Because of its close connection with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), symptoms of GERD are often present and include:

• Heartburn – A burning sensation that can run from your throat to the center of your chest
• Regurgitation of sour liquid or food
• Trouble swallowing (If you’re having trouble swallowing, seek care immediately)

 Risk Factors

Based on these risk factors and your medical/family history, your doctor may recommend screening for Barrett’s esophagus.

• Chronic Heartburn/Acid Reflux/GERD: Those who have chronic symptoms (more than five years) are more likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus.
• Age: Barrett’s esophagus is more common in middle-aged and older adults.  55 is the average age of diagnosis.
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus
• Ethnic Background: White and Hispanic populations are at higher risk than other populations.  Black and Asian populations have a lower risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus.
• Smoking: Current and past smokers are more likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus.

Diagnosis

A doctor may suspect Barrett’s esophagus by reviewing a patient’s medical history, current symptoms, and risk factors. To confirm the diagnosis, doctors perform an endoscopy.

An upper endoscopy is a test that allows a physician to see the inside of the esophagus and stomach using a small lighted tube. After examining the appearance of the esophagus, the doctor may remove small tissue samples (biopsies) to make the diagnosis.

The diagnosis can be challenging due to anatomical differences in patients. Because Barrett’s esophagus doesn’t affect all the tissue in your esophagus, it can also be difficult to detect in some patients.

Three degrees of tissue change

Pathologists, doctors who are experts at examining tissue samples, will help confirm the presence of abnormal, precancerous cell growth (dysplasia) in your esophagus. Samples are often examined by two different pathologists. At least one of them should have special expertise in gastrointestinal disorders.

Pathologists will grade the dysplasia into one of three categories:

• No dysplasia: Barrett’s esophagus is present, but precancerous changes are not found.
• Low-grade dysplasia: Small changes in cells are present
• High-grade dysplasia: Significant changes in cells are present.  High-grade dysplasia is often the precursor to esophageal cancer.

Treatment

Treating Barrett’s esophagus depends on your overall health and extent of dysplasia in your esophagus.

Regardless of the dysplasia amount (if any), the primary goal of treating Barrett’s esophagus is to stop the damage to the esophagus. In most cases, this means eliminating acid reflux.

Foods that can worsen reflux include:

• Acidic Juices like Orange and Tomato Juice
• Coffee / Tea
• Mint
• Alcohol
• Fatty foods

Behaviors that can increase acid reflux:

• Eating right before bed
• Lying down after eating
• Eating very large meals

Lifestyle and Home Remedies to reduce acid reflux:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking
• Raise the head of your bed: Place bricks or blocks under the head of your bed to elevate your head. About six inches is enough. This helps keep the acid in your stomach while you sleep.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe medications that reduce the amount of acid in your stomach.  These medicines are called proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. Some of the more common PPIs include:

• omeprazole  (Prilosec, Zegerid)
• lansoprazole  (Prevacid)
• pantoprazole  (Protonix)
• rabeprazole  (AcipHex)
• esomeprazole  (Nexium)
• dexlansoprazole  (Dexilant)

Some of these medications, like omeprazole and lansoprazole, are available over-the-counter.  You should discuss your signs and symptoms with a gastroenterologist if you have frequent heartburn or acid reflux.

 Complications

One potential complication of Barrett’s esophagus is that, over time, the abnormal esophageal lining can develop early precancerous changes. The early changes may progress to advanced precancerous changes, and finally to frank esophageal cancer. If undetected, this cancer can spread and invade the surrounding tissues.

However, progression to cancer is uncommon; studies that follow patients with Barrett’s esophagus reveal that only 0.5 percent of patients develop esophageal cancer per year. Furthermore, patients with Barrett’s esophagus appear to live just as long as people who are free of this condition. Patients often die of other causes before Barrett’s esophagus progresses to cancer.

Monitoring

For most people with Barrett’s esophagus, doctors recommend periodic screening endoscopies to look for signs of cancer.  This approach is called surveillance. Your doctor will help you determine the best level of surveillance based on your condition.

Treatment – No Dysplasia:

• Monitoring Endoscopy: Your doctor may recommend a monitoring endoscopy in one year, and then every 3 years after that if no abnormalities are found.
• GERD Treatment: Controlling acid reflux is important.  Lifestyle changes and medication can help reduce GERD symptoms.  This is helpful when doctors try to locate and grade dysplasia.

Treatment – Low-Grade Dysplasia

• Increased Medication: Those diagnosed with low-grade dysplasia are often asked to increase their dose of acid reducers (PPIs).
• Monitoring Endoscopy: Doctors most often recommend another endoscopy within six months to look for any changes.
• Endoscopic Resection – Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) uses an endoscope to remove dysplasia.

Treatment – High-Grade Dysplasia

High-grade dysplasia is often seen as a precursor to esophageal cancer.  Because of that risk, your doctor may recommend the following treatments:

• Endoscopic Resection – Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) uses an endoscope to remove dysplasia.  EMR may be a reasonable alternative to esophagectomy in some patients.
• Surgery/Esophagectomy – Complete removal of dysplasia, including all or part of the esophagus.  The remaining part of your esophagus will be attached to your stomach. This type of surgery also carries the highest risk of complications, which should be considered carefully with your doctor.  Your overall health, risk for cancer, and quality of life concerns should all be discussed beforehand.

Complications

Those with Barrett’s esophagus are at increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. The risk is very small, even among those with precancerous changes in the cells lining their esophagus. The vast majority of patients will not develop esophageal cancer.

 FAQ

Is Barrett’s Disease the same thing as Barrett’s Esophagus?

Many people who search for Barrett’s disease are indeed referring to Barrett’s Esophagus.

Heartburn – causes, how to treat.

12/15/2020

A huge number of people suffer from heartburn. According to various sources, from 60 to 70% of the total population of Russia are faced with this disease. So what is heartburn. Heartburn occurs when the acid in the stomach backs up into the esophagus (reflux). Normally, this should not happen. Between the stomach and esophagus is a sphincter valve that must contract. If it does not completely block the passage, the contents of the stomach are partially thrown into the esophagus. The walls of the stomach are lined with an epithelium that tolerates an acidic environment (PH-3), while the walls of the esophagus have a different structure and therefore the acid that enters the walls of the esophagus harms it.

How does heartburn manifest itself?

Approximately 40% of people with heartburn experience a burning sensation in the chest. There are those who feel bitterness in the mouth. Someone has an eructation and even a cough, sore throats …

Important! Sometimes heartburn can masquerade as angina pectoris, or maybe it really is a burning sensation in the chest – this is a heart disease.

Should heartburn be treated?

Heartburn must be treated. If you have symptoms of heartburn, you should contact a gastroenterologist. A persistently irritated esophagus can eventually lead to Barrett’s syndrome (precancerous condition), in 2% of cases it can even lead to cancer. Also, heartburn can be a symptom of stomach ulcers, gallbladder disorders, etc. In addition, heartburn, of course, affects the quality of life. A person is not comfortable playing sports, he cannot afford much from food and drinks.

What causes heartburn?

Coffee, alcohol, especially red wine, hot tea, kefir, citrus fruits, vinegar, fatty foods, spicy foods, overeating. In addition to drinks and food, stressful situations are a provocateur of heartburn.

Do folk remedies help with heartburn?

“Grandmother’s” means in the form of soda, milk, potato broth can be of help only occasionally, if the necessary medicines were not at hand. In fact, they do not cure, but only relieve symptoms. Moreover, they also harm the body. For example, soda contains a lot of sodium, which means that it will harm those suffering from hypertension, plus there is an extra load on the kidneys. Milk contains protein, which will contribute to even more acid production.

How to treat heartburn?

The first rule is that there should be no self-treatment! Patients are prescribed drugs – proton pump inhibitors. The ancestor of drugs was omeprazole. Later, many analogues appeared. All drugs ending in “prozol” reduce the acidity of the stomach. Preparations are prescribed strictly individually, after studying the results of the studies and taking into account the age and state of health of the patient!

If you suffer from heartburn, make an appointment with a gastroenterologist right now! Be healthy!

heartburn gastroenterologist GIT

Heartburn in the morning ⛑ morning heartburn symptoms

If the morning starts not with coffee, but with an unpleasant burning pain in the stomach or esophagus, this may indicate diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Morning heartburn can occur after a heavy dinner, a party with excessive alcohol consumption. But regular bouts of heartburn in the morning may indicate health problems and require examination.

What is heartburn

Heartburn is a very broad concept. These are sensations of discomfort, which can manifest themselves in different ways for everyone. People describe it as “burning”, “irritation”, some experience pain and nausea, they say that it bakes in the throat.

In medicine, heartburn is not considered a disease, but this condition may indicate the presence of other disorders. Unpleasant sensations usually occur after eating, but there is a special condition – heartburn in the morning. A person wakes up already with discomfort in the stomach and a “burning” throat.

The most common cause of heartburn is reflux, which is the reflux of stomach contents back into the esophagus. The mucous membrane of the esophagus is irritated by the acids of the gastric juice and heartburn occurs. Reflux disease in medical terminology is called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). In addition to it, heartburn is caused by other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: ulcers, gastritis, esophagitis, increased acidity of the stomach. With these pathologies, heartburn often occurs on an empty stomach and morning burning in the esophagus.

Heartburn in the morning: causes

Food enters the stomach through a kind of gate – the lower esophageal sphincter. These are multiple pleats that open and close like a flap. Gastric juice contains hydrochloric acid, ammonia, nitrogen-containing substances and digestive enzymes – these substances are responsible for the digestion of food. If the sphincter is relaxed, food is thrown back from the stomach along with acids that irritate the esophageal mucosa, from which it becomes inflamed, bakes and hurts.

Active production of gastric juice occurs during meals, as well as when the body wakes up, that is, in the morning.

If you skip breakfast, the stomach begins to “digest itself”, acids irritate its walls and heartburn sets in. Another point is a cup of morning coffee or some chocolate on an empty stomach. These are aggressor products, they activate the production of gastric juice and in themselves irritate the mucous membrane. These are common causes of heartburn in the morning. Gastrointestinal diseases increase acid secretion and relax the esophageal sphincter.

An unbalanced diet and disturbed daily routine contribute to the development of morning heartburn. Dinner after 19.00, and even more so at 22.00, is not a good solution. If you eat dinner before bed, the pressure on the sphincter in the supine position will be increased, and food will begin to be digested more slowly. This leads to reflux and heartburn. Some simply do not notice it at night, and in the morning it makes itself felt.

Signs of morning heartburn

Signs of heartburn in the morning are hard not to feel: a person gets up already with an unpleasant sensation in the stomach, often heartburn is intertwined with a feeling of hunger, but the discomfort disappears after a hearty breakfast.

Heartburn itself is a symptom in the morning. When it is supplemented by other conditions, this may indicate diseases of the internal organs:

• nausea and pain in the upper abdomen are signs of peptic ulcer;
• bloating appears with gastritis;
• increased acidity of gastric juice accompanies GERD;
• cough and perspiration, together with heartburn, may be due to diseases of the bronchi and lungs;
• Increasing burning behind the sternum is a common symptom of a heart attack.

Heartburn in the morning can occur in pregnant women.

Some symptoms are classified as “alarming” [1]:

• sudden weight loss;
• blood in stool;
• heartburn for more than 3 weeks;
• rapid feeling of fullness of the stomach.

If these symptoms occur, seek specialist advice.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of morning heartburn includes examinations aimed at identifying the underlying disease:

• analysis of gastric acidity;
• FGDS (fibrogastroduodenoscopy) – examination of the stomach with a probe or endoscope;
• laboratory tests – biochemical blood test, fecal analysis, determination of Helicobacter pylori;
• pH-metry – monitoring of daily changes in stomach acidity;
• endoscopy with contrast for difficult diagnosis of the disease [2];
• Esophagomanometry – measurement of pressure inside the esophagus.

Women with heartburn may be advised to take a pregnancy test in the morning (unless, of course, there are other signs of pregnancy).

Treatment

To quickly eliminate heartburn on an empty stomach, you need to have breakfast on time. Food should not be dense, but satisfying and nutritious. Heavy fats and high-calorie chocolate are best replaced with light cereals and fruits. In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is recommended to eat oatmeal in the water, because it has a beneficial effect on the gastric mucosa.

Heartburn in the morning can be removed with antacids, which are salt-based preparations that neutralize the action of hydrochloric acid and increase the pH of gastric juice. For example, calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate act within a few minutes [3]. Rennie ^® is a preparation containing both of these components. It does not need to be taken with water, these are chewable tablets with a pleasant mint or orange flavor. Rennie ^® – tablets that begin to eliminate heartburn within 2 minutes. It is a drug with a favorable safety profile, even for pregnancy heartburn.