Heartburn
Heartburn Causes
The reason some people develop heartburn is still unclear. However, research shows that in people with heartburn, the LES relaxes while the rest of the esophagus is working.
Heartburn Definition
Heartburn is a painful or burning sensation in the esophagus, just below the breastbone caused by regurgitation of gastric acid.The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw. Heartburn is also known as one of the causes of chronic cough, and may even mimic asthma. Not considering its name, heartburn actually has nothing to do with the heart. It is because of a burning sensation of the breastbone where the heart is located although some heart problems do have a similar sensation to heartburn.
Heartburn Diagnosis
Ambulatory pH Monitoring which can be placed via the nose into the esophagus to record the level of acidity in the lower esophagus. Biopsy which is a small sample of tissue from the esophagus is removed. It is then studied and observed to check for inflammation, cancer, or other problems.
Heartburn Symptoms and Signs
The symptoms of heartburn are the burning-type pain in the lower part of the mid-chest, behind the breast bone, and in the mid-abdomen.
Heartburn Treatment
If heartburn occurs when lying down, raising the head of the bed, or raising the upper body with pillows or sleeping sitting up frequently provides relief. To lessen attacks, a sufferer may find benefit in avoidance of certain foods that relax the opening between the stomach and esophagus, such as chocolate, peppermint, and chamomile tea shortly before bedtime.
Drugs used for treatment of Heartburn
Aciphex
Pepcid
Prevacid
Protonix
Reglan
Zantac