Heartburn is a condition characterized by discomfort and burning sensation under the sternum, sometimes radiating to the neck area. It occurs periodically, usually about an hour after eating (especially spicy or acidic foods). Heartburn also occurs during heavy physical exertion.
Causes
The main factors contributing to the occurrence of heartburn include:
- increased acidity of the stomach;
- sensitivity of the gastrointestinal mucosa against the background of decreased acidity;
- stress, neuroses, feelings of anxiety;
- poor diet;
- smoking;
- consumption of alcohol, carbonated drinks, strong tea or coffee, spicy foods, leading to the production of a large amount of gastric juice and irritation of the mucosa;
- excessive consumption of citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, chocolate;
- consumption of fried foods and fresh bread;
- overeating, which leads to excessive secretion of gastric juice;
- taking certain medications that provoke increased gastric juice production, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and others;
- wearing clothing that compresses the stomach;
- high physical activity, especially lifting heavy weights;
- excess weight;
- pregnancy;
- sleeping immediately after eating.
Symptoms of Heartburn
- The main symptoms to pay attention to and consult a gastroenterologist include a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, in the esophagus or throat, which intensifies in a horizontal position or when bending;
- sour belching;
- bitter or sour taste in the mouth.
If heartburn is persistent and accompanied by dark stools, stools or vomiting with traces of blood, chest or back pain, nausea, or increased sweating, it is essential to consult specialists in gastroenterology, as in the overwhelming majority of cases it may be a symptom of one of the gastrointestinal diseases.
Diagnosis of Heartburn in Israel
At the Ichilov clinic, a range of methods is used to diagnose and identify the causes of heartburn. Special sensors are used to determine the acidity of gastric juice, measure the pressure of the sphincter to diagnose the condition of the lower esophageal sphincter, and perform fibroesophagogastroscopy, which allows for tissue samples to be taken for further examination.
In particularly severe cases, studies of the stomach and esophagus may be conducted using contrast agents or computed tomography.
The use of modern equipment and advanced techniques allows the highly qualified medical staff at the Ichilov clinic to accurately diagnose and identify the causes of heartburn in a short time.
Treatment of Heartburn in Israel
To relieve heartburn in Israel, leading gastroenterologists conduct comprehensive therapy, which includes dietary changes and the use of antacid medications that reduce stomach acidity, medications that decrease gastric juice production, and those that coat the mucosa. Typically, such therapy is sufficient to alleviate the discomfort associated with heartburn.
However, if heartburn occurs due to a hernia, tumor, or lesions of the esophagus and sphincter, surgical intervention is performed to eliminate the obstruction of food passage, after which a special diet is prescribed.
Prevention of Heartburn
The main preventive measure is proper nutrition. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding carbon-rich and acidity-increasing foods, mint, carbonated drinks, chocolate, coffee, and tea, which relax the sphincter, as well as eating at least 2 hours before sleep will help to forget about the discomfort and unpleasant sensations associated with heartburn for a long time.