Understanding HeartBurn
What Is Heartburn?
Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. (Some of the symptoms, however, are similar to those of a heart attack or heart disease.) Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus that is caused by stomach acid.
With gravity's help, a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, keeps stomach acid in the stomach. The LES is located where the esophagus meets the stomach -- below the rib cage and slightly left of center. Normally it opens to allow food into the stomach or to permit belching; then it closes again. But if the LES opens too often or does not close tight enough, stomach acid can reflux, or seep, into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation.
What Causes It?
The basic cause of heartburn is an underactive lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, that doesn't tighten as it should. Two excesses often contribute: too much food in the stomach (overeating) or too much pressure on the stomach (frequently from obesity or pregnancy). Certain foods commonly relax the LES, including tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, caffeinated products, and peppermint. Dishes high in fats and oils (animal or vegetable) often lead to heartburn, as do certain medications, especially some antibiotics and aspirin. Stress, which strains the nerves controlling the LES, can cause heartburn. And smoking, which relaxes the LES and stimulates stomach acid, is a major contributor.
What Are the Symptoms?
A burning feeling in the chest just behind the breastbone (the sternum) that occurs after eating and lasts a few minutes to several hours. Chest pain, especially after bending over, lying down, or eating. Burning in the throat -- or hot, sour or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat. Belching. Chronic coughing. Hoarseness. Wheezing or other asthma-like symptoms appearing in adulthood.
How Can I Prevent It?
Heartburn is often preventable. The keys are maintaining a reasonable weight, avoiding foods and beverages that cause stomach acid to reflux into your esophagus, getting adequate rest and exercise, not overeating, not smoking, and minimizing stress.
If you must lie down after eating, lie on your left side; your stomach is lower than your esophagus in this position. Elevation of the head of your bed or using a wedge pillow may also help. Generally, it is best to wait one to two hours after eating before you lie down.
Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. (Some of the symptoms, however, are similar to those of a heart attack or heart disease.) Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus that is caused by stomach acid.
With gravity's help, a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, keeps stomach acid in the stomach. The LES is located where the esophagus meets the stomach -- below the rib cage and slightly left of center. Normally it opens to allow food into the stomach or to permit belching; then it closes again. But if the LES opens too often or does not close tight enough, stomach acid can reflux, or seep, into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation.
What Causes It?
The basic cause of heartburn is an underactive lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, that doesn't tighten as it should. Two excesses often contribute: too much food in the stomach (overeating) or too much pressure on the stomach (frequently from obesity or pregnancy). Certain foods commonly relax the LES, including tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, caffeinated products, and peppermint. Dishes high in fats and oils (animal or vegetable) often lead to heartburn, as do certain medications, especially some antibiotics and aspirin. Stress, which strains the nerves controlling the LES, can cause heartburn. And smoking, which relaxes the LES and stimulates stomach acid, is a major contributor.
What Are the Symptoms?
A burning feeling in the chest just behind the breastbone (the sternum) that occurs after eating and lasts a few minutes to several hours. Chest pain, especially after bending over, lying down, or eating. Burning in the throat -- or hot, sour or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat. Belching. Chronic coughing. Hoarseness. Wheezing or other asthma-like symptoms appearing in adulthood.
How Can I Prevent It?
Heartburn is often preventable. The keys are maintaining a reasonable weight, avoiding foods and beverages that cause stomach acid to reflux into your esophagus, getting adequate rest and exercise, not overeating, not smoking, and minimizing stress.
If you must lie down after eating, lie on your left side; your stomach is lower than your esophagus in this position. Elevation of the head of your bed or using a wedge pillow may also help. Generally, it is best to wait one to two hours after eating before you lie down.
posted by Aaron at 4:07 PM
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