Unpleasant heartburn – what really helps against it
Most people probably had heartburn before. If the unpleasant phenomenon occurs only occasionally, there is typically no reason for concern. However, it is wise to avoid it. In the case of frequent complaints, however, it is advisable to see a doctor and to investigate the cause.
More and more Germans suffer from heartburn
Million people in Germany suffer from heartburn. The “reflux disease” (Reflux) has developed in the last 40 years, from a rather rare phenomenon, to one of the most common problems of gastroenterology, reported the German society for gastroenterology, digestive and metabolic diseases (DGVS) in an older message. “A major reason for the increase of the disease and its complications is that, more and more people are too thick”, so the DGVS. Health experts explain that it helps with heartburn.
In the case of frequent complaints to the doctor
Sometimes heartburn out of nowhere comes. And, in some cases, it has a history as heavy and fat food.
Even if it is extremely unpleasant: a cause for concern heartburn offers only if it occurs on a regular basis.
The patient should then consult a doctor to find the cause.
Reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus
In the case of heartburn caused by the back flow (Reflux) of gastric contents into the esophagus, the acidic mixture of gastric juice and food in the mucus on the remains of skin.
This leads to the typical symptoms: stomach pressure, burning pain, acid Regurgitation, and Nausea.
The Upgrade of a portion of the stomach contents back into the throat to feel not only uncomfortable and partly painful.
The acid can also attack other parts of the body, especially the teeth, making tooth decay more likely, explains the health insurance company HKK on your website. And also the vocal cords and throat are impacted.
Regular hoarseness, often associated with throat clearing and coughing, especially in the Morning, can be the result.
Long-term consequences can be inflammation and scarring in the esophagus and in extreme cases can be favored according to the HKK, even cancer.
According to the health insurance time to threaten such long-term consequences, particularly if the heartburn is a Symptom of the so-called reflux disease.
Of a Reflux doctors talk specifically then, if the sphincter that separates the esophagus from the stomach is chronically loose.
Certain factors contribute to heartburn
There are some factors that favor the reflux of the stomach contents. If one avoids this, it is occasional heartburn less likely. In addition, the sphincter of the esophagus is charged may be less.
Bad Diet:
It can vary from individual to individual, what the stomach is doing well or not. However, in General, To boost fat and rich food, but also alcohol, the production of acid-containing gastric juice. A so-called irritable stomach but can also be the result of a food intolerance. You be careful, what foods are for your stomach easy to digest, and avoid foods that appropriate complaints favor.
Stress:
Stress is, according to the HKK for the body a kind of alarm condition, in which all the non-acute necessary body functions “shut down” will be – also the digestion. As a result of a stressful Situation it can happen that food is to linger long in the stomach, and thus, beyond what is necessary with the gastric juice soaked. This can also lead to an irritable stomach.
Medications:
Also drugs can trigger heartburn. To substances the drug that stimulate the acid production in the stomach, include, in particular, pain relievers such as acetylsalicylic acid (trade names include Aspirin, Alka-Seltzer, Asa), and Ibuprofen. Who is dependent on pain relievers, you should discuss with the doctor the extent to which it may be sensible to accompany this with a stomach protective medications.
Overweight:
The physical pressure on the stomach also plays a not insignificant role: the bigger the belly, the greater the forces acting on the organs of digestion, and according to the contents of the stomach partially up into the esophagus can press.
Smoking:
Also, the addictive substance of nicotine in cigarettes weakens the sphincter of the esophagus.
In addition, frequent heartburn can be the result of an inflammation of the stomach mucosa. This often has a bacterial cause, which must be treated accordingly.
Often the reason for the stomach discomfort, however, lies in a so-called diaphragmatic hernia. As a result, the internal organs are shifting and there is an increased pressure on the stomach contents.
Generally, If heartburn occurs regularly, it is advisable to have the symptoms medical check – especially if you can detect a direct connection between your diet, any alcohol and cigarette consumption, or even specific Stress situations.
10 home remedies for heartburn
Heartburn is a widespread Suffering. Here we show you 10 home remedies that can help with heartburn.
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Complaints treat, of course
How to treat heartburn is addressed depends on its cause, the frequency and the Severity of the complaints.
On the Gastro enterology-Portal, it is recommended, among other things: “Drink milk or water to the acid to be washed out of the esophagus.” Or: “eat a small Serving of raw Sauerkraut, this can ease the pain.”
In principle, it may help many of those Affected, their habits to adapt. So smokers should avoid cigarettes.
The consumption of alcohol, certain foods such as chocolate, greasy or spicy meals or carbonated beverages should be reduced. In addition, Overweight and obesity are to be avoided.
Eating just before sleeping is better omitted. Because Stress is a major trigger for heartburn, relaxation exercises for stress reduction, like Yoga or autogenic Training.
For more home remedies for heartburn are encourage methods to digestion, for example using Swedish bitter, or by extensive Chewing of the food (“Fletchern”). (ad)