HEARTBURN- What is it?

• It refers to Acidity.

• The stomach is an organ in the centre of the abdomen( above the umbilicus).This is the organ that digests the food that we eat.

• The food we eat can include complex contents and hence to digest it, it needs powerful acid to digest this. The acid is produced at intervals. The acid is so strong that the stomach needs to protect itself by lining with a protective layer.

• Sometimes the acid production can be excess and causes symptoms of heartburn( as the name says, it burns the centre of chest)

• The body tries to reject the acid by vomiting ( water brash)

• The treatment would be to reduce this acidity, protect the stomach and obviously avoid circumstances that worsen the situation

• Occasionally some bacteria( H Pylori) can stimulate the stomach to produce more acid

 

SYMPTOMS

• Burning in chest

• Nausea( vomit sensation) and vomiting

• Stomach fullness( due to gas production),

• Indigestion/ Back pain( burning)

• Water brash- repeated regurgitation of acid causes mouth to produce saliva

 

CAUSES

• Spicy, oily food

• Medications-Aspirin, Painkillers like ibuprofen

• Stress- surgery, illness

• Infections- especially H.Pylori( type of bacteria)

 

SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF

• Symptoms lasting over a week

• Not responding to antacids

• Vomiting blood, or blood in Faeces( bright red or black faeces)

 

DIAGNOSIS

• The clinical features are specific and adequate to diagnose the condition

• The doctor might enquire into your dietary and sleeping habits

The following test can be asked occasionally especially to find the cause or severity

• Blood test to look for H pylori bacteria infections

• Faeces tests- again to look for H.Pylori infections

• Breath test- the bacteria in stomach breaks down certain chemicals. so the breath is tested for these chemicals

 

INVASIVE TEST

• Endoscopy- a scope is passed through the mouth to the stomach and the stomach is seen for ulcers or any abnormalities

 

TREATMENT

Antacids-

There are different potent types of these medications

• Gelusil, Gaviscon- neutralises the acid as they contain alkali
• Ranitidine- stops acid production
• Omeprazole, Pantoprazole- shut down acid production for a few hours
• If proven bacterial infection then a month of antacids and antibiotics are given

 

PREVENTION

• Smaller, frequent meals

• Avoid spicy, oily food

• Drinking adequate water post food

• Healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, stress-free

• Limit unwanted medications especially on empty stomach(unless indicated)

 

COMPLICATIONS

• Vomiting blood, Blood in stool

• Stomach Ulcers

• Occasionally these ulcers can transform into cancer