Heartburn - Heartburn Symptoms And Cures
Heartburn is common in many people, and is caused when acids within the stomach irritate the esophagus. Infrequent heartburn is usually caused by common irritants like spicy foods, and can typically be treated by over-the-counter antacids. However, if you suffer from heartburn frequently or three or more times per week, your heartburn may be pointing to a more serious problem. This more persistent heartburn is the most obvious way to realize that you may suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. GERD is caused when the stomach acid and other bile begins to back up within the esophagus.
The most common symptom of heart burn is the burning sensation within the chest. Yet, other symptoms associated with heartburn include, but are not limited to, chest pain, abdominal pain, insomnia, wheezing, and choking. Though, not comparable in severity the symptoms of heartburn can be confused with a heart attack. Although, it is important to remember that prolonged heartburn symptoms can indicate that there is a more serious heart problem, which will require medical attention.
Spicy foods are the most widely known, causes of heartburn. However, other common causes include alcohol, eating large meals, eating too quickly, greasy or fatty foods, and lying down too soon after eating. Many people fail to realize it, but stress is another common cause of heartburn. Stress increases the stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus.
To date, there are numerous medicines and treatments to help you cure a case of heartburn. You are probably aware of over the counter medicine like Tums, Gaviscon, and Rolaids. These are typically chosen for relief of heartburn caused by spicy, heavy, or greasy foods, and are usually taken soon after the meal. For heartburn that occurs more frequently there are medicines such as Prilosec OTC and Pepcid AC to combat their symptoms. And it is important to note that these are just a few of the available over the counter cures for heartburn. With so many over the counter heartburn fighters, it is real easy to forget that there are prescription strength medications for more severe cases. For starters, there are over the counter cures that are available in a stronger prescription strength version, some of these include Prilosec, Zantac, and Pepcid. So far we have discussed treatments or cures that are classified as either antacids or H2 blockers. Other cures include pro-motility medications like Cisapride, or, proton-pump inhibitors that include Nexium and Prevacid.
Other ways to stop heart burn from occurring include surgery, which is only recommended in extreme cases, and lifestyle changes. The most commonly suggested things that you can do to naturally stop heart burn from occurring include cutting back on spicy foods and alcohol; quit smoking and eating large meals in one sitting, and trying not to exercise or fall asleep directly after any meal. Other ideas are less popular but include not wearing tight clothing, sleeping on left side if you feel heartburn coming on, or sleeping at an angle where your head is higher than your stomach.
Heartburn is a common enemy of many people, but luckily there are many ways to battle it; that are natural, over the counter, and even stronger for more sever cases. The most important thing for heartburn sufferers to remember is that if their heartburn is persistent and occurring frequently it is important to speak with a doctor, as it may hint to other more serious conditions.