Understanding Heartburn
The medical condition pyrosis or commonly known as heartburn, results from a reflux of the acidic contents of the stomach. This acidic regurgitation burns the inner walls of the esophagus and the sufferer experiences a searing or burning pain. Since this pain is felt around the chest area, people often mistake it for the onset of a heart attack. This agonizing sensation may spread from the chest and upwards into the throat, neck and jaw. Although the common name for this ailment is heartburn, the condition has nothing to do with the heart. It has earned it's moniker due to the fact that the burning pain is felt around the heart. People who suffer from some heart conditions may describe similar sensations. Other ailments that may show similar symptoms include the chronic cough and asthma. Heartburn may be caused by several factors. The most common include alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, rich and creamy foods, chocolate, tomato-rich dishes, raw onions, garlic, certain prescription drugs and some lifestyle choices like engaging in vigorous physical activity right after a heavy meal and having a large meal just before bedtime. Stress has also been identified as a potential factor that causes heartburn. Heartburn Treatment Options A heartburn sufferer's agony is exacerbated when he or she lies down during a pyrosis episode. This is due to the acid reflux from the stomach. The best approach to relieve the pain is to take an antacid and lie down with the torso raised - either with pillows or by raising the bed's headboard. The best approach is to avoid eating meals rich in heartburn inducing food and drinks too close to bedtime. Medications can be a suitable alternative if preventive measures to thwart heartburn fail. Doctors will be able to prescribe suitable treatments to quell the discomfort. These may include antacids, proton pump inhibitors and h2-receptor antagonists. For those who suffer from mild forms of heartburn, antacids and other neutralizing medications are the most effective forms of treatment. If no medications are close at hand, drinking a large glass of water to dilute the acid reflux may be the best form of first aid for heartburn. The next best course of action would be to consume desired dosages of anatacids. Proton pump inhibitors are usually used when antacids and other neutralizing agents are ineffective to treat heartburn. These inhibitors block the production of acids in the stomach cells and provide instant relief. Once the inhibitors reach the stomach, it disables the "protein proton pumps", which control the stomach's pH levels. Another course of treatment for heartburn are h2-receptor antagonists. H2-receptor antagonists work by decreasing the acid production of "parietal cells" in the stomach. These are however rarely used today due to the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors. Heartburn sufferers who prefer not to consider pharmaceutical options as their first choice can consider holistic and natural therapies. Stressful lifestyles can be moderated through meditation and yoga. Vigorous exercise can be avoided right after meals. Heavy meals with heartburn inducing food and drinks can be avoided or taken in moderation at least 2 to 3 hours before one goes to bed. In 90% of heartburn sufferers, inappropriate food and drinks have been found to be the main culprits.
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