When should I see a doctor about a heartburn?

Heartburn is characterised by a burning sensation in your chest, directly beneath your breastbone. The pain is frequently exacerbated after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or leaning over.

Occasional heartburn is normal and should not be taken seriously. The majority of people can manage their heartburn symptoms on their own with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.

What is Acid Reflux?

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid enters the oesophagus and irritates it. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a valve at the bottom of the oesophagus that normally allows food to enter into the stomach while keeping acid out of the oesophagus.

The LES does not prevent acid from backing up into the oesophagus during heartburn. This is known as acid reflux. The outcome is pain, burning, and other heartburn symptoms.

Heartburn that is more frequent or interferes with your regular activities could be a sign of a more serious disease that necessitates medical attention.

What are the causes of heart burn?

When the valve that separates your stomach and oesophagus fails to close properly, part of the acidic mixture from your stomach travels up your oesophagus. Reflux is the term for this condition. When you have reflux, you will frequently get heartburn, which is a burning sensation.

Among the medical problems that might produce reflux and cause heartburn are:

• During Maternity or Pregnancy.
• Hiatal hernia is a condition in which stomach bulges up into the chest.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which acid from your stomach expels back to your mouth.
• Some medications, like anti-inflammatory and aspirin may induce heartburns and acidity.

What are the remedies for heartburns?

• putting on loose garments
• standing tall and raising your upper body
• combining baking soda and water
• attempting ginger
• supplementing with licorice
• consuming apple cider vinegar
• Using chewing gum to dilute acid
• avoiding the inhalation of cigarette smoke
• experimenting with over-the-counter drugs

Contact your doctor if you have any of the following heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (commonly known as acid reflux or GERD) symptoms or problems:

• Two or more times per week, you get heartburn.
• Heartburn symptoms that persist despite using over-the-counter medications for more than two weeks.
• Nausea, vomiting, swallowing difficulties, loss of appetite, or unexpected weight loss.
• If you had a significant or unexplained weight reduction accompanied by heartburn.
• If you are having diarrhoea, black, or bloody bowel motions.