What is heartburn?

1. What is heartburn?

2. Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest that can move up to your neck or throat. The pain can be worse after you have eaten in the evening, while you are lying or sitting down. You may feel a bitter or sour taste in the back of your throat. Heartburn can be a symptom of medical conditions such as acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and pregnancy. • Occasional heartburn is common must likely be relieved by changes in your lifestyle or having over-the-counter medication. If you experience heartburn frequently, or heartburn interferes with your daily routine, you may need medical intervention. 

3. Symptoms • Symptoms of heartburn are:- • Burning pain in the chest and throat usually after eating a meal and may occur at night.  • Pain in chest when you bend over or lie down on your bed. • Bitter and sour taste in the back of your throat. • Difficulty Swallowing. • Feeling food is stuck in your throat.  • Book a physician in Nasik if you are experiencing frequent heartburns, over-the-counter medication does not relieve the symptoms, swallowing is difficult, has persistent vomiting or nausea, and is experiencing weight loss. • It is common to confuse heartburn and heart attack. If you are experiencing chest pains, pain in arm and jaw, dizziness or cold sweats, and difficulty breathing. You need immediate medical help.

4. Causes • When you eat your food passes through the food pipe or esophagus. A valve called esophageal sphincter is at the bottom of the esophagus. The esophageal sphincter keeps food in your stomach, prevents the content of the stomach from traveling out. Your stomach contains strong acid to aid digestion. Sometimes the esophageal sphincter does not close properly and some acids travel up the esophagus. Medical conditions that can cause acid reflux are:- • Pregnancy. • Hiatal Hernia • Gastroesophageal reflux disease • Certain medicines such as anti-inflammatory medication and aspirin.  • Lifestyle habits that can increase your risks of heartburn are:- • Dietary habits such as eating meals close to bedtime, certain foods and drinks can increase the chances of heartburn.  • Overweight • Smoking.

5. Diagnosis  • The best doctor in Nasik will examine your medical history and conduct a preliminary physical examination to diagnose heartburns. To assess the extent and damage of heartburns the doctor near me may suggest the following tests:- • Endoscopy to check abnormalities in your esophagus. A small tissue sample may be taken during the endoscope for further analysis. • X-ray to see the shape and condition of the esophagus and stomach. An Upper GI series may be taken to show the outline of the digestive system.  • Ambulatory pH testing measures the acid levels in the esophagus.

6. Treatment • Most cases of heartburn can be treated with over-the-counter antacids. The best doctors in Nasik may prescribe stronger antacids, H2-receptor antagonists (H2RA), proton pump inhibitors. Some medications prescribed may have other side effects it is important to follow the advice to prevent or minimize side-effects. The doctor near me may suggest some lifestyle changes including diet modifications to decreases the occurrence of heartburn. • The homeopathic doctor in Nasik will treat you looking at your constitution and will treat the underlying condition. Homeopathy has proven to provide a viable option for treat heartburns.