Heartburn Treatment

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a condition that relates to the burning sensation felt after a heavy meal. The uncomfortable experience can last for a few seconds or even a few hours. The discomfort arises on account of the stomach acid that makes its way to the esophagus. When we eat, the food that is chewed in the mouth makes its way to the stomach through a tube called the esophagus. The tube is naturally shut after the passage of food, but if for some reason it does not, then the acid from the stomach gets into the pipe on account of a process called 'reflux'. The stomach acid aggravates the inner lining of the esophagus and results in heartburn.

Heartburn Signs and Symptoms

Heartburn is also clinically referred to as pyrosis. The condition manifests in the form of:

• Painful, burning sensation in the esophagus.
• Discomfort due to the regurgitation of gastric acid.
• Movement of the burning sensation and pain from the stomach, to the neck and throat region.
• Chronic cough.

Diagnostic Procedures for Heartburn

Heartburn is diagnosed via pH monitoring, manometry, endoscopy or a biopsy. pH monitoring is a method wherein a probe is inserted into the esophagus via the nose. The level of acidity is then recorded with the help of pieoroscopy. In the manometry procedure, a manometer or pressure sensor is inserted into the esophagus through the mouth, to directly measure the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Endoscopy refers to a procedure in which the doctor visualizes the esophageal mucosa with the help of a tiny camera or endoscope, inserted through the mouth. This method is by far the best to collect evidence of esophageal inflammation and detect damage to the upper digestive tract. In a biopsy, the doctor removes a small tissue sample from the esophagus,which is then studied for inflammation or a carcinogenic nature.

Prevention and Treatment Options

The administration of medication for cure from heartburn can be prevented by adopting certain tried and tested remedial measures. Resting and sleeping in the upright (sitting) position whenever the burning sensation starts helps a lot. The pillows should be propped such that they offer relief to the entire upper torso, rather than just the head and neck. It also helps to eat small and frequent meals to avoid excess stomach acid production. Meals need to be devoid of foods that stimulate stomach acid secretion. Food components like citric fruits or juice, pretzels, tea and coffee, onions, chocolate, peppermint and spices need to be avoided. You need to also avoid wearing clothes that are tight around the abdomen, to reduce the pressure on the stomach.

The treatment options to battle the onslaught of heartburn include medications such as antacids, antagonists, alginates and proton pump inhibitors. Antacids are the best bet when attempting to neutralize excess stomach acid. They not only provide the fastest and best relief, but are also devoid of side effects. A concoction of sodium bicarbonate or baking soda mixed with water also helps ease the pain associated with heartburn. Alginates form a protection wall within the stomach, restricting stomach acid reflux, while PPIs or proton pump inhibitors stop acid production in the stomach. The latter are used for short-term treatment only.

It helps to adopt a diet plan and drink several glasses of water through the course of the day. It is important to address the condition in time, since a delay in treatment could only worsen the situation and make the discomfort unbearable. If left untreated, the condition could culminate in esophagitis, the inflammation of the inner lining of the esophagus. Acid reflux disease, GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatal hernia and gastritis are other complications that could set in.