What is heartburn and acid reflux?
Heartburn is often described as a burning sensation behind the sternum that can radiate up to the throat. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid enters the esophagus, which can cause a sour taste in the mouth and a burning sensation in the throat.
When you eat, food passes through the esophagus and into the stomach, where a sphincter normally ensures that stomach acid stays where it belongs. However, if this sphincter is not functioning optimally, the acid can move up into the esophagus. This can lead to heartburn and acid reflux - especially after large meals, when lying down, or if you've eaten something that irritates the stomach.
Why does heartburn and acid reflux occur?
There can be several reasons why you experience heartburn and acid reflux. For some, it's certain types of food that trigger the symptoms. Fatty, spicy or acidic foods can increase the production of stomach acid, increasing the risk of acid reflux.
Large meals can also put strain on the stomach, causing it to overfill and push acid up the esophagus. Alcohol, coffee and carbonated drinks can also irritate the mucous membranes and relax the sphincter, making it easier for acid to enter.
Being overweight can be another factor. The extra kilos increase the pressure on the stomach and can make symptoms worse. Stress also plays a role as it can affect digestion and make the stomach more sensitive to acid.
Symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux
The symptoms of heartburn can vary from person to person, but the most common signs include:
- A burning pain behind the sternum that often gets worse after meals or physical activity.
- A sour or bitter taste in the mouth, especially when bending over or lying down.
- A feeling of having something stuck in your throat.
- Sore throat and hoarseness if stomach acid reaches the back of the throat.
If you experience these symptoms frequently, it could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which requires treatment.
When should you see a doctor?
Most people experience heartburn and acid reflux from time to time, but if the symptoms are frequent or very painful, you should consult your doctor.
It is especially important to seek medical attention if you:
- Have difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing.
- Experiencing unexplained weight loss.
- Have persistent vomiting or blood in the vomit.
- Having chest pain that radiates into your arms, jaw or back - this could be a sign of a more serious condition that requires urgent treatment.
Treatment of heartburn and acid reflux
Treatment for heartburn depends on the severity of the symptoms. For milder cases, antacids such as antacids can be effective. These agents work by neutralizing stomach acid and providing quick relief.
For more persistent symptoms, your doctor may prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which reduce stomach acid production. These medications may be necessary for chronic heartburn or reflux.
Lifestyle changes are also a key part of treatment. You may want to eat smaller meals, avoid lying down immediately after eating and raise the head of the bed to prevent stomach acid from building up.
Home remedies for heartburn
There are also several home remedies that can relieve heartburn and acid reflux. Drinking a glass of milk can have a neutralizing effect, while a glass of water can wash down the acid.
A slice of toast or a banana can absorb excess stomach acid, while chewing sugarless gum can stimulate saliva production and help flush the acid away.
Dietary changes that can help
Dietary changes can make a big difference if you frequently experience heartburn. Avoid foods that can irritate the stomach, such as:
- Fat and fried food
- Citrus fruits and tomatoes
- Coffee, alcohol and soft drinks
- Chocolate and peppermint
Instead, you can focus on foods that are gentle on the stomach, such as oatmeal, rice, cooked vegetables and lean meat. Eating smaller but more frequent meals can also be beneficial to avoid overfilling the stomach.
Read more about food and diet.
Preventing heartburn
Preventing heartburn is largely about changing habits and avoiding triggers. Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to aid digestion. Avoid lying down immediately after meals and lift the head of the bed if you often experience symptoms at night.
Exercise can also help regulate weight and reduce pressure on the stomach. At the same time, stress reduction through relaxation exercises, yoga or meditation can reduce the risk of heartburn as stress can negatively affect digestion.