Doctor's Notes on Heartburn Symptoms, Diet, Causes, Remedies, Treatment, and Cure
Heartburn is a symptom that results from acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The pain of heartburn is caused by acid contents of the stomach passing or regurgitating back up into the esophagus (swallowing tube or food tube). It is not clear what caused this backup of acid into the esophagus. Lower esophageal sphincter abnormalities, abnormal muscle contractions of the esophagus, and slow or prolonged emptying of the stomach are believed to play a role in its cause. Heartburn is itself a symptom of GERD. Other signs and symptoms associated with GERD are nausea and regurgitation, or the sense that liquid stomach contents are being passed back up into the throat or mouth. The pain of heartburn is a burning type pain typically experienced in the middle chest.
GERD : Test Your Digestive Diseases IQ Quiz
QuestionGERD is the back up of stomach acid into the esophagus.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Acid Reflux (GERD)
Acid reflux (GERD) is caused by acid backing up from the stomach. Causes of acid reflux include smoking, obesity, alcohol, medications, diet, and other medical conditions. Symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn, acid indigestion, dry cough, hoarseness, wheezing, and more. Treatment of acid reflux include lifestyle changes and medication. -
Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) has many causes. Dysphagia can be caused by diseases of the brain, diseases or conditions that affect muscle function, diseases of the esophagus, or obstructions of the upper digestive tract and esophagus. Symptoms of dysphagia generally is a mild to severe form of difficulty swallowing. Treatment of dysphagia depends on the cause. -
Endoscopy
With the procedure known as gastrointestinal endoscopy, a doctor is able to see the inside lining of your digestive tract. This examination is performed using an endoscope -- a flexible fiberoptic tube, usually with the patient under sedation. -
GERD and Heartburn Medications
GERD and heartburn medications include: antacids, histamine-2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), coating drugs, and promotility drugs. Side effects, drug interactions, and patient information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication. -
GERD Questions (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
Acid reflux (GERD) is caused by lifestyle factors (alcohol, obesity), medication, diet, medical conditions, and eating habits. Symptoms of acid reflux (GERD) include bad breath, hoarseness, chronic cough, bitter taste in the mouth, wheezing, and a feeling of tightness in the throat. Treatment of acid reflux include lifestyle modifications and medication. -
Heartburn (GERD)
Heartburn FAQ including information about the causes of heartburn, lifestyle changes to reduce heartburn, OTC and prescription medications to decrease heartburn, surgery options for heartburn, and ways to prevent heartburn. -
Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through an opening of the diaphragm called the esophageal hiatus. This can cause heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, difficulty swallowing, pain, and other problems. Lifestyle changes like losing weight, exercising and diet modification are indicated, as well as prescription antacids like omeprazole. -
How Do You Know If You Have Heartburn?
Heartburn is a burning pain in the chest usually caused by stomach acid reflux. This is the main symptom, but others include bitter taste or bloating.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.