Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart or its systems. It is a common problem with the digestive system. When we swallow food, it travels down a tube called the esophagus, passes through a one-way valve known as the Lower Esophagus Sphincter (LES), and reaches the stomach. The stomach secretes digestive juices, which include hydrochloric acid, to break down larger molecules of food into smaller ones for absorption. This acid is very corrosive and burns through most substances. The stomach is protected from this acid by a coating of a jelly-like substance called mucosa. When this one-way valve, the LES, becomes weak or is loosened by alcohol or drugs, it fails to seal the esophagus from the stomach. The stomach acid spills into the esophagus, and inflames and irritates the unprotected esophagus, which is known as heartburn. When the stomach is too full and stretched due to overeating, the LES gives way and the acid can enter the esophagus. The main symptoms of heartburn are a burning pain behind the breastbone and radiating upwards, the feeling of liquid coming upwards to the throat, and a bitter or sour taste in the mouth. A common treatment for heartburn is to neutralize stomach acid or reduce its production. We must remember that stomach acid is part of the digestive process and when we neutralize it, we are interfering with the digestive system, which is the source of all our energy. Antacids are the most popular treatment for heartburn. They are fast-acting, but effective only in the short term (about 2 hours). They neutralize the stomach acid and provide relief. H2 blockers suppress the production of stomach acid and are effective up to 12 hours. Long-term treatment involves medication to improve the muscle tone in the digestive system and LES, and lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes include eating the correct type of food that does not induce excess production of stomach acid, exercising regularly and maintaining good muscle tone in the body, avoiding smoking, alcohol and caffeine, avoiding too much stress and maintaining the correct weight. In a small percentage of cases there may be some serious problem, like GERD, which needs special diagnostic tools and attention by a specialist. |
