HEARTBURN

Heartburn is classified as a digestive disorder. The disorder gets its name from burning sensation behind the breastbone that occurs when acidic stomach juices wash up into the gullet(esophagus). In some cases, pain is so intense thats it is mistaken for a heart attack. However if the pain is severe and the person has no history of heartburn or heart disease, it is best to play safe and get medical attention immediately.

Symptoms
* Burning sensation in the upper abdomen that moves up into the middle of the chest behind the breastbone and sometimes travels up to the throat. The discomfort usually worsen when lying down or bending forward.
* Belching.
* Bitter or sour taste in the mouth.
* Attacks of stridor (noisy, high pitched breathing sound caused by abnormal narrowing of the larynx or trachea) or choking sensation while asleep.
* Discolored teeth.
* Chronic cough.

Common causes
Acidic digestive juices that are regurgitated (wash back) into esophagus due to:
* Overeating, bad eating habits like hurried eating, not chewing food well, eating high fat or spicy food and chocolates.
* Smoking.
* Alcoholic and fizzy drinks, coffee, tea.
* Emotional stress.
* Certain medicines.
* Tight clothing around abdomen.
* Lying down, bending over, lifting heavy things, and squatting after eating.
* Weakened muscle controlling the opening at the lower end of esophagus.
* Hiatus hernia, in which part of the stomach juts into the chest cavity.
* Pregnancy.

What you can do
* Take antacids.
* Improve eating habits.
* Minimize intake of fatty food, spices, chocolates, alcoholic and fizzy drinks, coffee and tea.
* Reduce weight.
* Quit smoking.
* Avoid tight clothes that squeezes abdomen.
* Avoid stress.
* Avoid medicines that cause heartburn.
* Do not lie down, bent over, squat, or lift heavy things immediately after eating.
* Elevate your upper body when sleeping.
* Consult your doctor if the cases is getting severe.

What your doctor can do for you
* Determine the cause of the symptoms and rule out more serious causes.
* Prescribe stronger antacids or other medications.
* Take X-rays or arrange for endoscopy to check for hiatus hernia, if necessary.

Prevention tips
* Take small meals, eat slowly, and chew your food well.
* Eat a balanced diet with a low fat content.
* Maintain a healthy weight.
* Minimize your intake of alcohol and other fizzy drink, coffee and tea.
* Do not smoke.
* Avoid tight clothes.
* Avoid stress.
* Do not lie down, bend over, squat, or lift heavy things immediately after eating.

These what you can do to fight heartburn!!!