Heartburn

About Heartburn

Heartburn, a common symptom of acid reflux, causes a burning sensation in the chest and can escalate after meals or when lying down. It often responds well to lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter medications. For persistent or severe cases, which may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a doctor’s evaluation is recommended.

Symptoms

Heartburn is characterised by a burning sensation in the chest, often accompanied by an unpleasant taste in the mouth or throat. Symptoms typically arise after eating, during the evening, or when lying down or bending over, as these positions or times can exacerbate the backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus.

Key symptoms include:

• A burning pain or discomfort that moves up from the stomach to the chest and may continue into the throat.
• A feeling that food is coming back into the mouth, leaving an acidic or bitter taste.
• A sensation of pressure or burning in the chest that can mimic the pain of heart disease, often leading to confusion between the two conditions.

Heartburn is a common occurrence for many and does not usually indicate a serious health issue. However, recurrent or severe heartburn may signal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), requiring medical attention.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing heartburn typically begins with a clinical assessment of your symptoms by a healthcare provider. If the heartburn is frequent or severe, indicating possible gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), further diagnostic tests may be recommended:

• X-ray: This imaging test allows doctors to view the shape and condition of your oesophagus and stomach.
• Endoscopy: In this procedure, a tiny camera attached to a flexible tube is used to view your oesophagus and check for any irregularities. Sometimes a biopsy is taken for further analysis.
• Ambulatory Acid Probe Tests: This test measures when and how long acid backs up into your oesophagus. It involves an acid monitor placed in your oesophagus, connected to a wearable computer.
• Esophageal Motility Testing: This measures the movement and pressure inside your oesophagus.

These tests help physicians to confirm heartburn and understand its severity, which guides the appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment

Over-the-counter medications for heartburn work by different mechanisms to provide relief from the burning sensation typically caused by stomach acid rising up into the oesophagus. Antacids neutralise stomach acid, reducing irritation and the acidic sensation. Other medications, such as H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), reduce the production of stomach acid.

Some highlighted products:

Gaviscon Advance Peppermint Suspension: Contains sodium alginate and potassium hydrogen carbonate, which create a protective layer that floats on top of the stomach contents. This barrier can prevent acid reflux and provide fast relief from heartburn and indigestion.
Gaviscon Advance Aniseed Suspension: Works similarly to the peppermint variant, providing a soothing layer to reduce acid reflux symptoms, with the additional flavour option for those who prefer aniseed.

Peptac Peppermint Liquid: A liquid suspension acting as a reflux suppressant and offers relief from acid regurgitation, heartburn, and indigestion. It contains sodium bicarbonate, sodium alginate, and calcium carbonate, which help neutralise stomach acid.
Rennie Orange Flavour Chewable Tablets: These tablets contain calcium carbonate, which neutralises excess stomach acid, providing quick relief from heartburn and indigestion.

These medications are generally considered safe for most people when used as directed. However, if heartburn persists or is frequent, it is important to seek medical advice as it may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as GERD.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing heartburn involves making lifestyle adjustments to reduce the occurrence of acid reflux. Here are several strategies:

• Dietary Changes: Opt for foods that are less likely to trigger heartburn, like high-fibre options and alkaline choices such as bananas and melons.
• Eating Habits: Have smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions to avoid overloading the stomach.
• Avoid Late Meals: Refrain from eating close to bedtime to allow for proper digestion.
• Healthy Weight: Maintain a weight that is healthy for your frame to decrease pressure on the stomach.
• Elevate Head During Sleep: Use extra pillows to keep your head elevated and prevent acid from flowing back into the oesophagus at night.
• Avoid Trigger Foods: Identify and avoid foods that trigger your heartburn, such as spicy or fatty foods.
• Clothing Choices: Wear loose-fitting clothes to reduce pressure on your abdomen.
• Smoking Cessation: If you smoke, quitting can significantly reduce heartburn.
• Alcohol Moderation: Limit alcohol intake, as it can increase stomach acid production.

Implementing these strategies can lead to a noticeable reduction in heartburn episodes.

Related Reading

For more in-depth insights our blog is an excellent place to start for anyone seeking advice on heartburn management and other health-related concerns.