Burning of the stomach constitutes a harmless reaction associated with digestion, but it may sometimes indicate underlying health problems. But what is the heartburn specifically? What are the main warning signs that should be paid attention to?
What is the heartburn?
Burning stomach causes pain in the chest, and it occurs due to the reflux of the stomach acids to the esophagus.
“The heartburn, also known as reflux, is characterized by a burning sensation or pain behind the bone of the shear, it may sometimes extend to the throat. Usually after eating or when lying down, it is caused by irritation of stomach acid for the lining of the esophagus. The additional symptoms may include a bitter taste In the mouth, hoarseness in the sound, or chronic cough. “
What usually causes stomach heartburn?
Many people develop a burning stomach from time to time, and often the reason for this is unclear, and sometimes it may be caused or the reason for its exacerbation:
- Some foods and drinks, such as coffee, tomatoes, chocolate and fatty or hot foods.
- Weight gain.
- Smoking.
- Pregnancy.
- Stress and anxiety.
- Increased some types of hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen.
- Some medications, such as anti -inflammatory pain relievers (such as ibuprofen).
- The diaphragm hernia is when part of the stomach moves to the chest.
- Stomach ulcers.
- Bacterial infection in the stomach.
“The most common cause of stomach heartburn is acid reflux, which occurs when the lower esophageal muscle – a muscle ring at the bottom of the esophagus – weakens abnormally,” says Long.
He added, “The heartburn may also be associated with the hernia of the diaphragm, as a portion of the stomach is rushed through the diaphragm hole through which the esophagus passes. This condition allows the stomach acid to ascend to the top.”
How to treat the burning or transverse stomach heartburn?
“Often the burning of the light or cross stomach can be treated with simple lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller meals, avoiding eating late at night, reducing hot or fatty foods, and losing weight if necessary,” says Long.
The treatments available without a prescription can also be effective, such as antacids, or proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, and if the symptoms continue to be recommended to request medical advice.
Heartburn or a heart attack?
Long emphasizes that symptoms may overlap; “Both of them may cause heartburn or pressure in the chest. But cardiac chest pain is often more heavy, and it may spread to the arms or jaw, and the possibility of its occurrence increases during an effort.”
If there is any doubt, especially in people at risk of heart disease, it is important to deal with it as a possible heart attack and ambulance contact, the delay may threaten to seek help the patient’s life.
Right or severe stomach heartburn
Long says that the continuous heartburn may “sometimes indicate a more serious problem, especially if it lasts 3 weeks or more, and among the fears of the Parit Part.”
Some esophageal cells grow in people with an abnormally, which increases the risk of esophageal cancer, according to the National Health Services Authority. Because this condition may increase the risk of esophageal cancer, it is important not to ignore persistent symptoms.
Long emphasizes that the warning symptoms include “difficulty swallowing, food congestion in the throat or chest, unjustified weight loss, constant vomiting, and anemia caused by iron deficiency.”
“When any of these symptoms appear, it is important to see a general doctor urgently,” he added.
When should you ask for medical advice on heartburn?
Long recommends speaking to the doctor when the stomach continues to burn most of the days more than 3 weeks.
He recommends requesting urgent medical attention and says, “If you feel chest pain, it may be caused by a heart problem, especially if it is surprising, severe, or accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath, or pain in the arm or jaw.”
This opinion is consistent with Dr. Cameron Brady Green, a consultant gastroenterologist and general doctor at St. Patholomeo Hospital in the United Kingdom, and he adds, “You should also consult a doctor instead of relying on home remedies if you are 55 years old or more and suffer from symptoms of new stomach heartburn, and if you do not improve your stomach heart Pantoprazole.