Heartburn Symptoms Need Attention
Most people think of heartburn as a normal part of life – uncomfortable, but normal. Everyone they know gets heartburn at one time or another. They know the television ads by heart – the ones that show people thumping or rubbing their chests to indicate they have heartburn. Typically, people take an antacid and suffer until the burning sensation passes.
Heartburn symptoms are indeed common, but that is no reason to treat them too lightly. Heartburn symptoms do not happen by accident. They are a warning issued by your digestive system.
Heartburn symptoms must be considered in the context of their closely-related concerns: acid indigestion, acid reflux, acid regurgitation, non-cardiac chest pain, and sour stomach. Heartburn symptoms should also be considered in relation to GERD symptoms.
Heartburn symptoms closely resemble the symptoms of all the above, especially symptoms of acid.
Frequently-described Heartburn Symptoms
Heartburn symptoms are most frequently described as a burning sensation. Some may say they feel heat or warmth in the upper abdomen. Others describe heartburn symptoms as pain in the lower chest.
Heartburn symptoms occur behind the sternum – the central breastbone. The location, near the heart, is the reason for the name “heartburn,” but the heart is not involved. Some have described their heartburn symptoms as a feeling that the heart is on fire.
In addition to the burning pain, heartburn symptoms can include trouble swallowing, nausea, gas, and bloating.
Heartburn symptoms last as long as 2 hours for some. Some people have difficulty sleeping due to heartburn symptoms.
Why Heartburn Symptoms Need Attention
Heartburn symptoms, whether mild or serious, occasional or frequent, need attention. Let’s look at some of the reasons, beginning with one of the most serious.
1. Heartburn symptoms can feel much like heart attack symptoms. If you have heart disease, or are at risk for heart disease, seek medical attention immediately, even though you believe it may be heartburn. It is not worth risking serious or fatal results.
2. Heartburn symptoms, if frequent, can lead to serious medical concerns such as cancer of the esophagus. The acid that washes back into the esophagus can damage the sensitive linings of the esophagus, and lead to GERD. As it worsens, cancer can develop.
3. Heartburn symptoms are not isolated pain. They occur because something is not right in your digestive system. Heartburn symptoms are warnings. Just as you should not ignore warning lights on you car’s dashboard, you should not ignore the warning provided by heartburn symptoms.
Cause of Heartburn Symptoms
Heartburn symptoms are caused by a malfunction of the sphincter muscle at the bottom of the esophagus. This ring of muscle, the lower esophageal sphincter, is known in shorthand as the LES.
The first job of the LES is to open so that swallowed food can enter the stomach. Its second job is to close quickly to keep stomach food and juices from washing back into the esophagus.
When the LES is weakened, pressured, or relaxes inappropriately, it malfunctions. Stomach juices, and even bits of food, reflux (wash back) into the esophagus. Since the linings of the esophagus are not meant to handle the strong stomach acids, the nerves react with a sensation of burning.
Listen to Heartburn Symptoms
Since heartburn symptoms are the result of a malfunctioning LES, it makes sense to learn why the muscle is malfunctioning.
1. Does it need more oxygen?
2. Does it need more potassium or other electrolyte?
3. Is it dehydrated?
4. Would exercise strengthen it?
When another muscle malfunctions, we treat the muscle to strengthen it. Ask your physician how to strengthen your lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
Disclaimer: The author is not a professional health care provider, and intends the above for educational purposes only.
Heartburn Free with ROH10® 10 SoftgelsLasting Relief for up to six months or more! Does your stomach feel like its been playing with matches? Put out the fi… More >>
Falling in LoveMultiple Academy Award Winners Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep are together again for the first time since The Deer Hunt… More >>
Chronic Heartburn: Managing Acid Reflux and GERD Through Understanding, Diet and Lifestyle — Includes More than 100 Recipes44% of Americans experience heartburn and acid reflux on a regular basis. Acid reflux disease, or gastroesophageal re… More >>
Earth Mama Angel Baby Organic Heartburn Tea, 16 Teabags/Box (Pack of 3)USDA Certified 100% Organic & Certified Kosher Heartburn Tea is a delicious and soothing blend that lends a cool hand to… More >>
© 2007, Anna Hart. Anna herself lives with a husband who used to suffer heartburn frequently, and she empathizes with your problem. She invites you to read more of her articles about heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD at http://www.heartburnreliefblog.com. Anna continues to research and post additional weekly information on that site. If you are eager to get heartburn relief, please visit Anna now.
Related posts:
- Heartburn Relief Without Drugs
- Heartburn Symptoms Require Awareness
- Heartburn Causes And Symptoms Plus Natural Remedies To Relieve Heartburn
- Heartburn Symptoms Are The Danger Signal
- Heartburn Symptoms, Know about Common Symptoms of Heartburn
Leave a Comment