Hiatus hernia (protrusion of part of the stomach from the abdomen into the chest) can also compromise LES function. This works well most of the time, but many things such as overeating, obesity, aging, and some medicines may compromise this protective mechanism. It permits food to pass down, and then closes to prevent gastric contents from coming back up (Figure One). To prevent this reflux, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a band of muscles at the lower end of the esophagus acts like a gate or valve. We experience heartburn when reflux – the back-flow of stomach contents – occurs. If acid escapes back from the stomach into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux), it irritates or damages it. However, the esophagus or swallowing tube is not so protected. We are normally unaware of this since the stomach is designed to withstand this acid. In order to assist digestion, the stomach produces a very strong acid called hydrochloric acid. Learn more about Dyspepsia What Causes Heartburn? It is important not to confuse dyspepsia with heartburn because the treatments are quite different. “Dyspepsia” describes pain in the upper abdomen (below the chest) that resembles that of a peptic ulcer. “Indigestion” is sometimes used to describe heartburn, but this term is imprecise and people use it to describe anything from diarrhea to belching. Nevertheless, while chest pain or chest pressure may indicate acid reflux, it is right for anyone with this kind of pain or discomfort to seek urgent medical evaluation. Possible heart conditions must always be excluded first. Other than the name and the location, heartburn is not related to chest pain (angina) due to heart disease. This accounts for the “heart” in heartburn. Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest behind the breastbone. If the heartburn is frequent, or persistent it’s important to see a doctor so that you receive an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment. This could be a sign of an underlying condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is important to distinguish simple heartburn from long-standing heartburn that keeps recurring. There are a number of things you can do to avoid simple heartburn that occurs now and then. Ask any group of adults if they have had heartburn in the last year, and a third will put up their hands. Occasional heartburn is among the commonest of symptoms. Comparing Benefits and Risks of GERD Treatments.Getting the Most Out of Your Medications.Heartburn: Nothing to do with the Heart.Diet Advice for Barrett’s Esophagus and GERD.The Prevalence and Impact of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |