What is heartburn and what causes it?

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that occurs after eating. In severe cases, it can spread to the neck, throat, larynx, or the sides of the chest. Heartburn is one of the main symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It can also occur in healthy people who make dietary mistakes. Some people may confuse heartburn with symptoms of coronary heart disease. Heartburn is sometimes accompanied by sour belching, hoarseness, and dry cough. Symptoms worsen after a large meal, especially if the patient lies down after eating.

Periodic heartburn is common and is not a cause for concern. Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn on their own by making lifestyle changes and taking over-the-counter medications.

However, heartburn that occurs more often or interferes with your daily life may be a symptom of a more serious condition that requires medical attention.

To avoid side effects and unforeseen situations that can lead to irreversible processes, the treatment process should be handled by a qualified gastroenterologist..

In the best department gastroenterology you can undergo qualified diagnostics and, if necessary, undergo high-quality treatment in Switzerland. Gastroenterology in Switzerland is developed as nowhere else in the world.

Symptoms of heartburn

The symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain, especially with inflammation of the esophageal mucosa. This is not uncommon in young children, whose muscles are not fully formed. Symptoms of heartburn can worsen after sleep because the contents of the stomach are liquid and are more easily ingested into the esophagus in a lying position. The signs of heartburn are:

• Acid reflux
• Burning pain in the throat or chest
• Pain or discomfort in the diaphragm
• Nausea

It is more difficult for young children to express their symptoms, and it can be difficult for them to understand that they have heartburn. Symptoms of heartburn in young children are:

•  The child often spits up
• The child has difficulty swallowing
• Painful swallowing of food

Diagnosis of heartburn

During a medical examination, they first find out where it hurts exactly and when heartburn occurs. They clarify the lifestyle and eating habits, because they play an important role in heartburn. If there is a suspicion of reflux disease, the doctor will order a gastroscopy to examine the esophagus for signs of inflammation, erosions, narrowing, and tumors using a tube camera. If necessary, tissue samples are taken.

Good advice from heartburn

If you are experiencing heartburn, you can try to relieve these problems by following these dietary tips.

It is useful to eat the following when you have heartburn:

• Bananas
• Cookies, crackers
• Avocado
• Almonds

The following should be avoided when you have heartburn:

• Coffee, juice, and alcohol
• Spicy food
• Fatty food
• Citrus fruits and vinegar marinades

It is also important to follow the following rules:

• Keep your mouth fresh by brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth often
• Sit up straight while eating
• Do not lie down immediately after eating
• Sleep on pillows that provide a slight elevation of the head
• Eat no later than 3 hours before bed
• Quit smoking
• Deal with stress, uncontrolled stress can worsen the symptoms of heartburn
• Small, frequent meals

When to see a doctor?

Если вы страдаете от изжоги в течение длительного времени, разумно обратиться к врачу. Страдаете ли Вы, помимо изжоги, следующими жалобами?

• If you feel like food does not want to go down the esophagus
• If you regularly vomit
• If you have lost more than five kilograms in a short time for no apparent reason
• If you have black, loose stools

Then you should see a doctor immediately and undergo high-quality diagnostics.