Heartburn
About Heartburn
Heartburn is the condition that occurs when stomach acids back up into the esophagus. Normally the lower esophageal sphincter, or the band of muscle and the bottom of the esophagus, opens to let foods and liquids to pass down into the stomach. When this sphincter fails to close properly, for whatever reason, the acids from the stomach flow back up the esophagus and causes heartburn.
The symptoms of heartburn are: burning in the chest, usually at night or after eating; and pain that becomes worse when bending over or lying down.
If chest pain becomes sever, see a doctor immediately as it may be a heart attack instead of heartburn. A doctor should be consulted when: the heartburn is present more than two times a week, or if there is difficulty swallowing.
Medicine cures and remedies
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Doctors can prescribe medication to treat the symptoms, though there are no true cures for heartburn that are non-surgical. There are medications that can reduce the acid produced by the stomach such as Tagamet HB, Pepcid AC, Axid AR, and Zantac 75.
Still other medications will control the acid and help to heal the damaged esophagus. Over the counter versions are Prevacid 24 hour and Prilosec OTC.
Alternative cures and remedies
It is believed that heartburn can worsen due to stress and anxiety. Coping strategies are thought to be cures for heartburn by alleviating the stressful situations that can bring it on. A few stress relievers to try are: hypnosis, massage, listening to soft music, breathing exercises and light exercise like walking or stretching.
Home cures and remedies
In addition to home cures there are a few lifestyle changes that are thought to remove the environment that cause stomach acids to travel up the esophagus. The number one suggestion is to avoid the specific foods that trigger heartburn. Each individual has a different set of trigger foods, so it may take some trial and error to find them.
It has also been suggested that eating smaller meals will keep from overfilling the stomach and/or causing the stomach to produce too much acid. Individuals with heart burn symptoms should not lie down after eating a meal for at least two to three hours.
Tight fitting clothing has also been blamed for some bouts of heartburn. When clothing is too tight it can squeeze the abdomen and in turn press against the stomach. This can cause stomach acids to be spilled into the esophagus.
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Tags: cure for heartburn, heartburn remedies, heartburn remedy, remedies for heartburn, treatment for heartburn