Everything you need to know about heartburn or acid reflux

Sometimes you go through a lot of health related problems but you just don’t understand some of them. Sometimes you can’t explain them or even talk about them with the doctor, but in the end, you get over it; you suffer it!

I’m here to tell you about one of the most common health related problems, which many people go through, but cannot understand until the severity of the problem reaches its peak. I’m talking about heartburn or acid reflux. Read below to know this issue in detail:

• What is heartburn or acid reflux?

It is nothing more than a burning or aching sensation that is felt around the lower chest area. There is no specific time when you go through this problem; It can happen almost at any time, even when you are at work or doing nothing. It occurs when stomach acid re-enters the esophagus. Since the whole process turns backwards, you feel these terrible stinging sensations around your heart. Burning sensations are commonly known as heartburn.

• What are the causes of acid reflux?

There are many causes that lead to this problem; some of the most common are:

o Hiatal hernia, in which the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) and upper stomach area crawl above the diaphragm, which is nothing more than a muscle that keeps the stomach away from the chest. This is the muscle that keeps acid in the stomach. However, when you have a hiatal hernia, the acid moves up the esophagus, causing horrible “heartburn.”

o When you overeat or eat more than your usual appetite (just to satisfy your tongue cravings), you are likely going through the problem of acid reflux.

o Obesity is one of the most common causes of acid reflux.

o When you skip your meals or eat out of time, heartburn puts you down.

o Pregnant women are bound to suffer from acid reflux.

o Smokers are often seen going through this problem more than the multitude of non-smokers in the world.

o There are certain medications that affect stomach acid and cause acid reflux.

• What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

Read below to learn about some of the common symptoms of acid reflux:

o There is a constant “heartburn” or a terrible shooting pain sensation near the lower chest or even in the throat. The moment you go through a problem of this type, have it checked by a good doctor; Acid reflux can make you suffer a lot, if it is not treated in time.

o You often have a sour or bitter taste in your mouth, without eating anything at all. This is nothing more than a common symptom of acid reflux.

o If your stomach swells frequently, especially if you have eaten a moderate amount of food, it is a sign of acid reflux.

or bitter belching.

o Sensation of having food stuck in the throat area.

o Shortness of breath.

o Ugly hiccups that don’t seem to go away.

o Constant nausea, despite doing different things to get rid of it.

o Involuntary weight loss.

o Sore throat.

o Dry mass.

• How does acid reflux affect your daily life?

If you are going through severe acid reflux, you will surely face many challenges in your activities of daily life. You may have terrible heartburn at work, so you can’t focus on all the things you want to do to get ahead.

Heartburn sensations can be bad enough to spoil your mood. Unless you get used to the feeling, you just won’t be able to ignore or avoid them. Many people with acid reflux problems are often drawn to the problem of mood swings. You can have terrible fights with your partner, because you cannot do the things that you are expected to do.

Sometimes you can’t eat the things you like, despite your cravings for the same. For example, even if you like spicy food, the acid reflux problem will not allow you to enjoy it.

• How to cure heartburn?

You can rely on medications, which are readily available in the market, or rely on some of the home remedies, which are natural and keep you away from chemicals. Some of the home remedies are:

or chew gum

o Keep your chin up and avoid lying in bed.

o Watch what you eat (avoid unhealthy and fried foods) and the amount of food you eat.

o Eat bananas to calm the sensations.

o Avoid clothing that is too tight, which does not allow you to breathe properly.

o Stay away from alcohol and cigarettes.