Hematology
Posted on September 27, 2009
Filed Under Hematology |
what is heartburn?
Heartburn occurs when the acidic contents of the esophagus, it ascends to the throat. Also known as stomach acid reflux. Most people suffer at some time in his life as a heartburn or acid regurgitation.
What causes heartburn?
Heartburn occurs after eating a rich meal or drinking too much alcohol. Some people have when they lie down or lean. Its frequency varies from person to person. Most people do very rarely, but in others, episodes of heartburn or acid regurgitation may occur daily or weekly.
Related Articles
Please sees our ‘gastro’ and you will find numerous articles related to digestion and heartburn. We suggest:
# Gastro esophageal reflux
# Hiatus hernia
# Stomach Ulcer
Is it dangerous to heartburn?
Heartburn is cumbersome and can be detrimental to the health of those who suffer. Occasionally, persistent heartburn can cause esophagi is or inflammation of the lining of the esophagus.
In the worst cases, oesophagitis may be complicated by the occurrence of ulcers that can bleed, or a chronic anemia. Sometimes the reflux esophagi is complicated with a stenos is (narrowing) of the esophagus by the scars that appear to heal ulcers.
This narrowing of the esophagus can prevent swallowing. This situation is grave and makes a study and required immediate treatment.
Consult a doctor
in the ‘Ask the doctor’ also found numerous inquiries made by users and answered by our medical team.
What goes to the throat stomach acid?
The esophagus is a sphincter (muscle ring) at the bottom, before its insertion into the stomach. The diaphragm, which is the primary muscle of respiration and the lungs that separates the stomach and other abdominal viscera, the sphincter remains in place and the system operates as a one-way valve. Thus, under normal conditions allows the entry of food into the stomach, but not exit.
If this one-way valve is not functioning properly, stomach acid can move from the stomach to the esophagus. This tendency increases when the stomach contains large quantities of food or liquids, especially fat or alcohol, or when something is pressing into the stomach.
What conditions increase the heartburn?
It’s often unaware of the reasons for increasing heartburn. In other cases, it can help any of the following conditions:
Hiatus hernia
it is a disorder in which the upper stomach is inserted through a hole in the diaphragm (called a hiatus). Then, the fibers of the sphincter muscle can not exert pressure on the bottom of the esophagus. As a result, this part of the esophagus is open when it should be closed.
Obesity
In people who are overweight, and suffered most from the obesity, the fat in the abdominal cavity exerts more pressure on the stomach. This increases the pressure inside the stomach and its contents is pushed into the esophagus. Weight loss reduces the risk of reflux of stomach acid.
Pregnancy
The uterus (womb), increased in size during pregnancy, compresses the stomach. This increases the pressure, as occurs in people with overweight. Changes in the hormonal balance that occur during pregnancy determine the relaxation of the sphincter of the esophagus.
Meals
the risk of acid reflux increases when the stomach is full of food, especially if the food has been abundant (and fat). So food remains much longer in the stomach before passing into the intestine. If the person keeps eating more than necessary, the risk of acid reflux is reduced.
Food
Chocolate, peppermint, fried tomatoes; coffee and alcohol relax the esophageal sphincter.
Snuff
the snuff difficult and reduces the role of the sphincter.
Constipation
Constipation increases the risk of acid reflux, and constipated patients who have a higher abdominal pressure and thus a greater pressure inside the stomach.
Bedtime
if the person lies down, the possibility of acid reflux increases due to the force of gravity. This can be avoided to some extent by using an extra pillow or putting a couple of books or blocks under the legs of the head of the bed.
What can help?
The following factors increase the risk of acid reflux:
* Obesity. Try losing a few pounds if you are overweight.
* Avoid copious meals and / or fat, and do not lie down right after eating.
* Try to take less coffee and less troublesome food.
* Avoid drinking alcohol to excess.
* Quit smoking.
* If you have symptoms at night, you can get an extra pillow or putting a couple of books under the legs of the side of the head of the bed, as indicated.
If heartburn or acid regurgitations are rare (less than five times a month) can take antacids, or similar, available on the pharmacy without a prescription.
When should I see a doctor?
If heartburn or acid regurgitation occurs often, or the symptoms are very bothersome, you should consult your doctor. The doctor must decide whether or not any other study, or a drug more effective.
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