Heartburn. Put Out The Fire And Douse The Discomfort Of Indigestion
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This article is from the Health Articles series.
Heartburn. Put Out The Fire And Douse The Discomfort Of Indigestion
Have that burning feeling? Put out the fire and douse the discomfort of indigestion
Most people have an episode of heartburn now and then-a fiery discomfort that begins behind the breastbone and rises to the throat or even the face. Typically, the symptoms begin an hour or two after eating, often while lying down. But what exactly causes them?
Most often the culprit is a faulty muscle above the junction where the stomach meets the esophagus. It's known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES isn't working right, stomach acid slips up into the throat, burning tender tissues, and causing pain, inflammation, and sometimes more serious complications.
Faulty muscles aside, another major contributor to heartburn is eating the wrong foods-including chocolate, mints, and things that are fried, fatty, spicy, or acidic-or eating too much of any foods. Doing this can either weaken the LES or put pressure on it, causing it to open. Alcohol, coffee, and smoking can also contribute.
The solution? You can often control heartburn with a combination of smart self-care strategies and by using one of the many heartburn remedies now sold with or without a prescription.
But if you continue to experience heartburn two or more days a week, consult a health professional. You may have a more severe form of the problem, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In this case, over time, the upsurge of acid can break down the lining of the esophagus, causing sore throat, lesions, or a narrowing of the opening. In extreme cases, acid may seep into the lungs, possibly triggering asthma and other conditions. In addition to heartburn, the symptoms of GERD may include regurgitation, chest pain, coughing, wheezing, hoarseness, and sore throat.
Smart Self-Care
To help prevent acid from washing back into the esophagus try:
- Eating meals at least three hours before bedtime to allow time for the stomach to partially empty and to reduce the amount of stomach acid. Eating smaller meals more frequently can help to speed this process and control symptoms.
- Waiting two to three hours before lying down after eating.
- Raising the head of your bed about six inches with blocks, so digestive juices won't flow upward while you sleep. n Avoiding trigger foods (chocolate, mints, and greasy, fatty, and spicy items) as well as coffee and alcohol. These strongly stimulate the stomach to produce acid while decreasing saliva production, which the body needs to neutralize stomach acid.
- Asking your doctor or pharmacist if heartburn may be a side effect of a medication you're taking.
Stomach Soothers
Antacids
Made with at least one of four key ingredients-sodium bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, and/or aluminum-these over-the-counter (OTC) acid neutralizers work quickly if taken at the first signs of distress. But they must be taken frequently (every one to three hours) for long-lasting comfort. A few tips for taking antacids:
- Calcium carbonate antacids (Titralac, Tums, and others) can do double-duty as calcium supplements to meet the body's daily need for this essential mineral. Some calcium carbonate antacids may cause constipation, so drink plenty of water when taking them.
- Sodium bicarbonate antacids (Alka-Seltzer, Bromo Seltzer, and others) are not recommended for people who have high blood pressure or those who are on a salt-restricted diet.
- Antacids may interfere with the absorption or action of some other medications. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking them with other drugs.
H2 blockers slow the secretion of stomach acids and in some cases halt its production. That means H2 blockers can prevent heartburn-not just relieve it. So you may be able to avoid trouble by taking a dose before indulging in a large or spicy meal.
H2 blockers are available OTC and in stronger doses by prescription. While they aren't as fast-acting as antacids, they generally last at least twice as long. OTC formulations include cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC), nizatidine (Axid AR), and ranitidine (Zantac 75). Do not take the maximum daily OTC dosage for more than two weeks continuously except under the advice of a doctor. And if OTC usage does not reverse symptoms, see a doctor.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
The most powerful of the acid suppressors are prescription medications called proton pump inhibitors: omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid). Proton pump inhibitors almost completely shut down gastric acid secretion by inhibiting an enzyme necessary for its production. This action helps to relieve pain quickly and heal tissue irritation.
For best results take these medications before eating and exactly as the doctor directs. And be patient; it may take a little time for the medication to reach maximum effect.
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