Heartburn: Hints on Dealing With the Discomfort

Bluehacks · #1 (**permalink**) 05-29-2008, 01:55 PM

What is heartburn?

Despite its name, heartburn doesn't affect the heart. Heartburn is a burning feeling in the lower chest, along with a sour or bitter taste in the throat and mouth. It usually occurs after eating a big meal or while lying down. The feeling can last for a few minutes or a few hours.

What causes heartburn?

When you eat, food passes from your mouth down a tube (about 10 inches long in most people) called the esophagus. To enter the stomach, the food must pass through an opening between the esophagus and stomach. This opening acts like a gate to allow food to pass into the stomach.

Usually, this opening closes as soon as food passes through. But if it doesn't close all the way, acid from your stomach can get through the opening and into your esophagus. This is called reflux. Stomach acid can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn.

When you eat, food passes from your mouth down a tube (about 10 inches long in most people) called the esophagus. To enter the stomach, the food must pass through an opening between the esophagus and stomach. This opening acts like a gate to allow food to pass into the stomach.

Usually, this opening closes as soon as food passes through. But if it doesn't close all the way, acid from your stomach can get through the opening and into your esophagus. This is called reflux. Stomach acid can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn.

Tips on preventing heartburn

* Place 6- to 9-inch blocks under the legs at the head of your bed to raise it.
* Try to eat at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down. If you take naps, try sleeping in a chair.
* Lose weight if you're overweight.
* Don't overeat.
* Eat high-protein, low-fat meals.
* Avoid tight clothes and tight belts.
* Avoid foods and other things that give you heartburn

Call your doctor if:

* You have trouble swallowing or pain when swallowing.
* You're vomiting blood.
* Your stools are bloody or black.
* You're short of breath.
* You're dizzy or lightheaded.
* You have pain going into your neck and shoulder.
* You break out in a sweat when you have pain in your chest.
* You have heartburn often (more than 3 times a week) for more than 2 weeks.

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