Causes of Heartburn
and Acid Reflux
Even without knowing the causes of heartburn you know why the name is appropriate.It feels as though a fire is raging in your chest. The pain can be so intense, in fact, that some people rush to the emergency room in fear they're having a heart attack. But contrary to its name and its sensation, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. It's a burning sensation and pain in the stomach and/or chest, behind the breastbone and is related to indigestion. Other symptoms of heartburn may be abdominal pain, bloating, gas, excessive salivation, belching, regurgitation, nausea, shortness of breath, acid or sour taste in the mouth, and all of the symptoms of IBS. Approximately, 60 millions of Americans suffer from heartburn.
Some Common Causes of Heartburn
Heartburn occurs when hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is produced by the stomach to digest food, heads in the wrong direction and backs up into the oesophagus, the tube that connects the mouth with the stomach, causing sensitive tissues to become irritated.Normally, a tight little muscle at the base of the oesophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), prevents juices from escaping, by pinching itself shut once food has entered the stomach. But, like an old rubber band, this muscular ring can become weakened and stretched so it no longer snaps tightly shut. Or it may relax and spring open at the wrong time. In either case, acid-laden digestive juices and partially digested food spill past it and back into the oesophagus, causing the "burning" sensation that is heartburn or acid reflux along with a bitter acid taste in the mouth. The tender lining of the oesophagus, unlike that of the stomach, was not made to endure contact with such caustic substances and thus reacts with irritation and pain. This is also called gastroesophageal reflux, and conditions that affect the oesophagus and cause a reflux of stomach acids into the oesophagus are now referred as gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD) rather than dyspepsia, chronic heartburn or acid indigestion. GERD can scar the oesophagus and if stomach acids make their way into the lungs, it can cause asthma-like symptoms. GERD can also lead to a condition called Barrett's oesophagus, which is characterised by changes in the cells lining the oesophagus that results in scarring, constriction of the oesophagus and swallowing disorders. Although Barrett's doesn't cause cancer, it often precedes it.
Other Causes of Heartburn
People with hiatal hernia often experience heartburn.Heartburn is common among pregnant women whose organs are squashed in a most peculiar way. Other factors that can increase intra-abdominal pressure include obesity and overeating. It can also be triggered by excessive consumption of spicy foods, fatty or fried foods, alcohol, coffee, citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, chocolate or tomato-based foods. These foods decrease the tone of the oesophagel sphincter, but each individual can react to different triggers. | If you're not sure what affects you, you might want to try an Elimination Diet to find out. |
Other possible causes of heartburn are ulcers, gallbladder problems, stress, allergies and enzyme deficiencies. Some drugs can be among the causes of heartburn, including birth control pills, diazepam, nicotine, nitroglycerine, progesterone, provera, and theophylline. Some triggers include wearing tight-fitting clothes, lying down, bending over and eating large meals. | If you experience heartburn in the middle of the night, be sure to eat at least four hours before going to bed. |
How Food Affects Heartburn
Unquestionably, what you eat is a prime - and perhaps THE prime - factor in whether heartburn strikes, how severe it is and whether it worsens through the years.According to Donald Castell, M.D., professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, although some people may be born anatomically more vulnerable to heartburn, most often the predisposing culprit is your dietary pattern. He blames diet greatly for both bringing on and aggravating heartburn. So find out how changing your diet can deal with the causes of heartburn and not just treat the symptoms.
RELATED PAGES: Indigestion Causes and Symptoms, also discussing the role of digestive enzymes and stomach acid. Natural Remedies for Heartburn vs. Antacids Foods That Cause Heartburn Heartburn Remedies and Indigestion Relief Good Foods for Heartburn
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