Frequently associated with a Hiatus Hernia
Heartburn Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms of Heartburn
Heartburn symptoms typically include:
Burning Sensation: Usually felt in the upper abdomen and chest, intensifying after eating.
Acidic Taste: A sour or bitter taste in the mouth or throat.
Difficulty Swallowing and Regurgitation: Feeling of food sticking or acid backing up.
Globus symptoms: a tightness in the throat/neck
Causes of Heartburn:
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. Common triggers include:
- Overeating or lying down soon after eating.
- Certain foods and drinks like alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods will aggrivate.
- Obesity, smoking, and some medications.
Treatment of Heartburn:
Treatment options range from lifestyle changes to medications:
- Lifestyle Adjustments:
Eat smaller meals, avoid trigger foods, reduce caffeine, don’t lie down immediately after eating, elevate your bed’s head, lose weight if necessary, and quit smoking.
- Over-the-Counter Medications:
Antacids,
Liner protectors such as Gaviscon or sucralfate
- Prescription Medications and Surgery:
For severe cases, stronger medications or surgery like laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery may be necessary.
H2-Receptor Antagonists (e.g., famotidine), and Proton Pump Inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole).
Prokinetic agents such as domperidone or metoclopramide are occasionally used.
Complications of Heartburn
- Osophagitis and ulceration of oesophagus
- Stricturing of the oesophagus sometimes called a peptic stricture
- Barretts Oesophagus a premalignant condition of the oesophagus
