“Well since I ate that lasagna, I’ve found a new place to dwell.  It’s down at the end of Reflux Street at the Heart Burn Hotel!” That’s right my friends, I’ve just received my key and I’m heading to my room right now! The funny thing is that I’m not alone. The place is packed! And with good reason too. Up to 10% of the U.S. population suffers from daily heartburn. This number escalates to 50% in pregnant women. No wonder this place is full. “Ah, here we are; room 112″. Now, to raid the mini bar and find out what this heartburn thing is all about.

What is heartburn?

Heartburn, or acid reflux disease, is a condition in which acid produced in the stomach enters the esophagus, leading to irritation and erosion of the esophagus. Now, I know you’re thinking, “That doesn’t sound right”, and you’re correct. The Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), (located at the end of the esophagus where it meets the stomach), acts as a shut off valve and regulates the passage of food and air (gas) in and out of the stomach. The sphincter opens to allow food to enter the stomach or release gas (which comes out as a belch/burp), and closes once the process is complete. Dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter leads to heartburn. Stomach acid will leave the stomach and enter the esophagus if the sphincter does not close properly, or if it opens too often.

The average person may experience heartburn 1-2 times a month, but this amount varies based on the individual and their eating habits. If heartburn begins to occur more frequently, it could be indication of a more serious condition, gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs the same way as acid reflux, the only difference is that it is chronic and can have more permanent complications such as pulmonary disease, hoarseness, esophageal ulcers, and possibly increase of risk of having cancer of the esophagus.

Causes of Heartburn

When it comes to heartburn or acid reflux, it’s all about the sphincter. Physically, malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter can be attributed to the occasional binge fest (too much food in the stomach itself), or excess pressure placed upon the stomach. This can be seen in cases of pregnancy and obesity. Just as important as the quantity of food in the stomach is the quality of that food. Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, citrus fruits and juices, and even tomatoes, have all been shown to relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Smoking is also a big contributor to acid reflux.

Symptoms & Treatment

Symptoms of acid reflux include vomiting, pain swallowing, nausea, chest pain, and major saliva production. Unless absolutely necessary, doctors usually recommend lifestyle changes as opposed to pharmaceutical treatments for acid reflux. These changes include alterations to the diet, such as no caffeine, chocolate, or peppermint in addition to an increase in exercise and weight loss. In some instances, adding a little sugar to cut of acidity of foods, such as with spaghetti sauce, has proven to reduce the chances of having heart burn after eating. Sleeping on the left side of the body is said to reduce acid reflux as well. In severe cases, doctors can prescribe proton pump inhibitors, alginic acid, gastric hydrogen receptors, or some good ole’ antacids (tum, tu, tum, tums). There are many different products available over the counter and by prescription to combat acid reflux. Whether medication is taken before or after eating or a change of diet is adapted to your daily lifestyle, be sure whatever the resolution is that it is discussed with your health care provider to ensure it is the best strategy for you and or your loved ones.

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 8th, 2010 at 12:06 am and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.