Heartburn is mild and transient and most often following meals or at night, in case of stress, hunger…
Heartburn is a feeling of burning, acidity in the upper left part of the abdomen.
The stomach burn is a sign of inflammation of the stomach lining. During the process of digestion, the gastric juices will reduce the consistency of the food and when the subject has eaten too much, or the food has not been chewed enough, the excess acidity will inflame the walls of stomach and sometimes the esophagus, causing a burn.
Causes and complications of heartburn
More often than not, this condition is mild and as we said earlier, excess stucco will be the cause.
But other times it might be:
- a position or a movement favoring acid reflux;
- an increase in intra-abdominal pressure with a overweight or a pregnancy ;
- a hiatal hernia: part of the stomach will end up above the diaphragm, promoting the reflux of acid from the stomach to the esophagus.
Possible evolution of heartburn
When they come up often, the term gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is used. Without support, it can lead to:
- an esophagitis, that is to say an inflammation of the esophagus which can cause an ulcer;
- peptic stenosis, i.e. narrowing of the lower esophagus following acid attacks;
- an endobrachyesophagus which corresponds to the colonization of the esophagus by glandular cells which can promote the occurrence of esophageal cancer.
Symptoms of a Heartburn
Heartburn can manifest as:
- a burning sensation starting from the pit of the stomach towards the chest;
- acid regurgitation in the mouth.
Signs might be associated with this type of stomach pain:
- dyspepsia (feeling of poor digestion);
- belching, hiccups;
- a frequent cough mainly at night;
- a hoarse voice ;
- asthma attacks;
- chest pain;
- dental erosion caused by acidity).
And if in addition the patient feels difficulty swallowing, bleeding, signs of anemia or weight loss, it is necessary to consult quickly.
How to prevent them?
To avoid them as much as possible, you must change your eating habits, lose unnecessary weight, avoid certain positions (leaning forward or lying down, and we are not talking regarding sleep but regarding the phase following the meal), or even take into supports possible constipation which would promote acid reflux.
What treatments?
Most burns are relieved by antacid medication. When they occur once a week, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) will intervene.
A surgery will have to correct reflux in the most serious cases.
