HEARTBURN- All You Need To Know About Heartburn
OVERVIEW
The esophagus is a tube that connects the mouth to the
stomach. It is made of muscles that work to push food toward the stomach in
rhythmic waves Called peristalsis. Once in the stomach, food is prevented from
refluxing (moving back into the esophagus), by a special area of circular
muscle located at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, called the lower
esophageal sphincter (LES). A pressure difference across the diaphragm, the
flat muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, also tends to keep
stomach contents in the stomach.
The stomach combines food, acids, and enzymes together to
begin digestion. There are special protective cells that line the stomach to
prevent the acid from causing inflammation. The esophagus does not have this
same protection, and if stomach acid and digestive juices reflux back into the
esophagus, they can cause inflammation and damage to its unprotected lining.
Heartburn is actually a symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal
reflux disease), and is caused by acid refluxing back into the esophagus. Risk
factors include those that increase the production of acid in the stomach, as
well as structural problems that allow acid reflux into the esophagus.
Causes of Heartburn
The pressure in the abdominal region is greater than that in
the thorax. This pressure difference always tends to force contents from the stomach
towards the esophagus but is prevented by the lower esophageal sphincter( a
physiologic sphincter)
Some common foods that we eat and drink, stimulate increased
stomach acid secretion setting the stage for heartburn. Over-the-counter
medications also may precipitate heartburn. Examples of these irritants
include:
- alcohol,
- caffeine,
- aspirin (Bayer, etc.),
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, etc.)
- Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)
- carbonated beverages,
- acidic juices (grapefruit, orange, pineapple)
- acidic foods (tomatoes, grapefruit, and oranges), and
- chocolate.
Smoking and the consumption of high-fat content foods tend
to affect function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), causing it to relax
from the stomach and allow acid to reflux into the esophagus.
A hiatal hernia, where a portion of the stomach lies within
the chest instead of the in abdomen, can affect the way the LES works and is a
risk factor for reflux. Hiatal hernias by themselves cause no symptoms. It is
only when the LES fails that heartburn occurs.
Pregnancy can cause increased pressure within the abdominal
cavity and affect LES function and predispose it to reflux.
Obesity may also cause increased pressure in the abdomen,
and thus reflux in the same way.
Primary diseases of the esophagus can also present with
heartburn as a symptom. These include, among others, scleroderma and
sarcoidosis.
Heartburn Symptoms
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition in
which heartburn is a symptom. Stomach acid re-fluxes up into esophagus and
causes pain. This pain can be felt as a burning sensation behind the sternum or
breastbone, either as a spasm or a sharp pain. Many times the pain of acid
reflux can be mistaken for the pain of a heart attack.
The pain of acid reflux (heartburn) can remain in the lower
chest or it can radiate to the back of the throat and be associated with water brash, a sour taste in the back of the throat. If there is acid reflux
near the larynx (voice-box) in the throat, it may cause coughing episodes or
hoarseness. Reflux over prolonged periods of time can be severe enough that
acid wears away the enamel on teeth and causes decay.
Symptoms are often worsened after heavy meals, leaning
forward, or lying flat. Those affected may often awaken from sleep with
heartburn.
Complications
Heartburn is not without complications. If ignored,
recurrent irritation and inflammation of the esophagus can lead to ulcers,
which are small areas of tissue breakdown. These can cause serious bleeding.
As well, scarring and stricture are other significant
complications of GERD. Changes in the type of cells lining the esophagus may
result from acid reflux, causing a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, which
is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
Heartburn Diagnosis
Heartburn is a common complaint, though it can be confused
with other chest-related illnesses, including:
- heart attack,
- pulmonary embolus,
- pneumonia, and
- Chest wall pain.
The diagnosis begins with a complete history and physical
examination. In many cases that provides enough information for the health care
professional to make the diagnosis and begin a treatment plan. In some
instances, further testing may be required:
X-ray: The patient may be asked to swallow barium or
Gastrografin (two types of contrast materials) while a radiologist, using an
X-ray or fluoroscopy machine, watches the contrast material travel down the
esophagus and enter into the stomach. Aside from looking for irregularities or
inflammation within the esophagus and of the esophageal walls, this test can
determine if the esophagus muscles are working properly in a rhythmic fashion
to push the contrast material into the stomach.
Endoscopy: In this test a gastroenterologist uses a flexible
scope and with a fiberoptic camera to look at the lining of the esophagus and
stomach. Inflammation and ulcers can be identified. Biopsies and small bits of
tissue can be obtained to look for cancerous or pre-cancerous cells.
Manometry and pH testing: Less commonly, when conventional
therapy has failed to confirm the diagnosis, or when symptoms are atypical, use
of pressure monitors and acid measurements.
Lifestyle changes
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid eating before bedtime
- Avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and caffeine
- Stop smoking
Elevate the head of the bed (or use two or three pillows) to
allow gravity to keep acid in the stomach and avoid acid reflux.
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