Heartburn is a common digestive problem that many people experience and can negatively affect daily life. The stomach, which is part of the digestive system, produces strong acids to digest food. Sometimes, however, this acidic stomach content can back up into the esophagus and cause irritation. Heartburn usually manifests as a burning sensation in the chest area, rise in acidity, a sour taste or discomfort. This discomfort occurs more often after meals or at bedtime, but can occur at any time. While heartburn can be a temporary problem, it can become a chronic condition for some people. Long-term heartburn can negatively affect quality of life and lead to serious problems.
Heartburn is a digestive problem that can occur as a result of a combination of several factors. The most common cause of heartburn is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can cause heartburn as a result of stomach contents backing up into the esophagus. This condition occurs when the muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter is weak or loose. Reflux irritates the esophageal tissue, causing heartburn.
Certain foods and drinks can trigger heartburn. Spicy foods, sodas, caffeine, chocolate, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and fatty, fried, or excessively fatty foods can cause increased stomach acid and trigger heartburn. Eating large amounts of food or fast food strains the digestive system. This can increase the risk of stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus and trigger heartburn.
Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of heartburn. Being overweight can make stomach acid more likely to back up into the esophagus and trigger heartburn. Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can cause stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. This is a common cause of heartburn. Smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of stomach acid escaping into the esophagus and trigger heartburn. In addition to these reasons, some medications, stress, stomach ulcers, and conditions such as hiatal hernia can also contribute to heartburn.
For many people facing the discomfort of heartburn, it is important to provide temporary relief and alleviate symptoms. Here are some methods that can be used to relieve heartburn:
- Regulating Nutritional Habits: Eating food slowly, reducing portions, and avoiding greasy, spicy, or acidic foods that are difficult to digest can reduce heartburn. It is also important to avoid overeating before bedtime.
- Sleeping with a High Pillow: Raising the head of the bed can help gravity prevent stomach acid from escaping into the esophagus. This can reduce the chance of heartburn occurring during the night.
- Doing Light Exercise: Intense exercise right after meals can increase the risk of stomach acid escaping into the esophagus. Instead, doing light exercises and moving a little after meals can improve digestion.
- Managing Stress: Stress can increase heartburn symptoms. It may be helpful to practice meditation, deep breathing, yoga or relaxation techniques to deal with stress.
- Medications that Provide Temporary Relief: Antacid medications can relieve heartburn symptoms by neutralizing stomach acid. However, these drugs only provide temporary relief and do not treat the underlying causes.
- Lifestyle Changes: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can trigger heartburn. That’s why it’s important to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can also help prevent heartburn.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if heartburn becomes a chronic problem or if your symptoms become severe. The doctor can offer you more specific treatment options and recommendations.
What are the natural remedies for heartburn?
There are several remedies that can naturally help with heartburn discomfort. For example, consuming ginger can soothe the stomach and facilitate digestion. Likewise, herbal teas such as fennel tea or chamomile tea can relieve heartburn. Aloe vera juice is known for its stomach-soothing properties and can relieve symptoms. Apple cider vinegar may also be helpful in relieving heartburn for some people.
However, it is important to always consult a healthcare professional before using natural remedies, especially if you are pregnant, have any other pre-existing health conditions, or are taking other medications.
When does heartburn start during pregnancy?
Heartburn during pregnancy is usually more common in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, but it can be different for every pregnant woman. Heartburn often worsens later in pregnancy because the growing uterus can press on the stomach and increase the chance of digestive acids backing up into the esophagus. Pregnancy hormones can also cause the stomach muscles to relax, increasing the risk of stomach acid escaping into the esophagus. For this reason, heartburn is a common occurrence during pregnancy and may become more pronounced as the pregnancy progresses.
Is heartburn a symptom of corona?
Heartburn is a common ailment, usually caused by problems with the digestive system, and is not usually a symptom of COVID-19. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches and fatigue. However, some people may experience digestive symptoms during COVID-19 infection, which can cause symptoms such as heartburn. However, heartburn alone is not considered a symptom of COVID-19 and should be considered in conjunction with other symptoms. If you are experiencing digestive symptoms such as heartburn and COVID-19 is suspected, it is important to contact health authorities and get tested.