Heartburn: what can help sufferers
Millions of people have time and time once more heartburn. The burning sensation that radiates up to the neck from the upper abdomen or from the region behind the breastbone gets worse with increasing Alter more frequent and worse. An expert explains how those affected counteract be able.
It happens to many people occasionally heartburn. The ailments can be relieved not only by medicines, but also with the help of well-tried ones home remedies be alleviated. The gastroenterologist Dr. Claire Beveridge explained in one contribution from the Cleveland Clinic (USA), why the symptoms get worse with age and what can help those affected.
Aging Muscles
With increasing age, the muscles become weaker – including the lower ones esophageal sphincter between esophagus and stomach. It opens up to allow the food you eat to get into your stomach and then closes tightly to keep it there.
“When this muscle weakens, it can have trouble holding food and fluids in your body Magen to keep”, explains Dr. Beveridge. “And when that stuff gets back up your esophagus, you get heartburn.”
weight gain
Most people also gain weight as they age. Additional weight may increase the likelihood of a meal ending in heartburn. A high body mass index (BMI) and a large waist circumference can be factors in the fact that you often have heartburn.
medication
Aging can bring with it health problems that make it necessary to take medication lead, and these pills can cause heartburn. The list is extensive, ranging from over-the-counter pain relievers to antibiotics to blood pressure medication.
Talk to your doctor regarding options if certain preparations seem to cause heartburn.
diaphragmatic hernia
When you reach the age of 60, there is a certain probability of one Hiatushernie (diaphragmatic hernia), an unusual bulging of part of the stomach through the diaphragm.
Affected people are often symptom-free at first, but appear later symptoms such as bloating, chest pain, difficulty swallowing or heartburn.
Avoid heartburn
To avoid heartburn as much as possible, according to Dr. Beveridge following tips try out:
Watch what you eat: Certain foods or drinks can trigger heartburn. Spicy or greasy meals, carbonated or caffeinated drinks, and alcohol are known to increase this risk. “Some people can control their heartburn by avoiding such triggers”says the doctor.
Don’t overeat: An overworked stomach is more likely to cause heartburn.
Get rid of excess pounds: Losing belly fat and improving your fitness can reduce pressure on your esophageal sphincter and reduce the likelihood of heartburn.
Do not lie down following eating: Do not lie down for at least two hours following eating. “When you’re upright, gravity helps hold things in your stomach”, explains Dr. Beveridge. (Using this time to go for a walk can also help with weight issues.)
Change the sleeping position: If heartburn routinely wakes you up at night, try sleeping on your left side. This can aid in your digestive process. (Using a wedge pillow or raising the head of your bed so you sleep at a slight angle may also do the trick.)
Do not smoke: Need another reason not to smoke? Well, nicotine can weaken your esophageal sphincter and open the door for heartburn.
If necessary seek medical help
Contact your doctor if your heartburn is regular or starts to interfere with sleep. Swallowing problems associated with heartburn should also be treated immediately. The same applies signs bloody stools, unintentional weight loss or if heartburn starts when you are over 60 years old.
After all, heartburn symptoms don’t always go through acid reflux caused. In less common cases, the symptoms can also be a sign of serious illness.
“In most cases, however, heartburn is associated with acid reflux”so Dr. Beveridge. “It can usually be related to changes in the lifestyle or medication.” (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- Cleveland Clinic: Why Does Heartburn Get Worse as You Age?, (Abruf: 28.11.2022), Cleveland Clinic
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.
