Heartburn is a burning and burning sensation in the chest. This condition is normal and common. However, if it has appeared repeatedly to interfere with daily activities, heartburn requires more serious treatment.
Heartburn or also known as heartburn usually occurs in the middle of the chest or just above the stomach. This discomfort is often accompanied by a bitter and sour taste in the mouth. Heartburn symptoms can become worse just after a large meal or when lying down.
Causes of Heartburn
Heartburn occurs when the ring-shaped muscle (sphincter), which is the valve between the esophagus and stomach, cannot tighten or close normally. Supposedly, this muscle ring can contract after food from the esophagus enters the stomach.
If the sphincter muscle is weak, food mixed with stomach acid can return to the esophagus. This increased stomach acid can irritate the esophageal wall and cause a burning pain in the chest.
Heartburn can be triggered by several things, including:
- Eat in an amount that exceeds the capacity of the stomach
- There is pressure on the stomach, usually due to pregnancy, obesity, or constipation
- Eating spicy food
- Consuming caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruit, or alcohol
- Lie down immediately after eating
- Take certain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- Smoking
- Stress and lack of sleep
Not only that, heartburn can also be a result of a hiatal hernia, which is a condition when the upper part of the stomach enters the chest cavity.
How to Prevent and Overcome Heartburn
If heartburn only occurs occasionally, there are a number of easy ways you can prevent or alleviate the symptoms, namely:
-Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoiding foods or drinks that can cause heartburn symptoms, such as carbonated drinks, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and fried foods
- Take drugs that are commonly sold over the counter to treat stomach acid before eating, such as antacids
- Consuming steeping ginger, because this drink is known to speed up gastric emptying
- Avoid snacking at night and eating large meals, at least 4 hours before bedtime
- Adjusting your chest and head to be higher than the waist about 10-20 cm while sleeping, so that stomach acid does not rise up into the esophagus
- Eat small portions but often to prevent food buildup in the stomach
If heartburn often appears to interfere with activity and rest, this condition is considered a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD is a condition that needs to be treated with medication from a doctor, even with surgery if it is severe. If not treated properly, GERD can cause inflammation, injury, and bleeding in the esophagus, and can even increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
Heartburn is a fairly common complaint and not necessarily dangerous. However, if these symptoms appear more than 2 times a week, do not improve with over-the-counter drugs, or cause difficulty swallowing, nausea, and vomiting, consult a doctor immediately for treatment.
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