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Heartburn does not mean stomach acid. Let's check the facts here!
Acid reflux is one of the most common digestive system disorders. The first thing that sufferers usually complain about is pain in the pit of the stomach. No wonder heartburn is often associated with acid reflux. But, is heartburn only caused by rising stomach acid?
Most heartburn is caused by stomach acid rising. In fact, this pain will get worse when the sufferer is eating food. But in fact, it turns out that heartburn is not only caused by acid reflux but also due to several other diseases.
Stomach Acid and Heartburn
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disease caused by stomach acid rising from the stomach into the esophagus (esophagus).
If it occurs chronically, stomach acid can be dangerous because it can cause irritation and infection of the esophagus. For people with stomach acid, they will usually experience heartburn for one to two hours.
However, apparently, stomach acid does not only make you feel heartburn. There are several other symptoms that you may also feel, such as:
- Heartburn
Heartburn is a condition where you feel a burning sensation in your chest. In fact, in the worst case, the burning sensation can be felt up to the throat. Avoid lying down when you have heartburn. When heartburn strikes, inhale and exhale slowly to overcome it.
- Nausea and Vomiting
Symptoms of nausea and vomiting occur due to increased production of stomach acid. If when stomach acid rises you feel nauseous, avoid consuming fatty and oily foods. Also avoid gassy drinks such as soda to prevent stomach acid from rising.
- Hoarse Voice
Stomach acid that rises up into the esophagus over a long period of time can also cause hoarseness. This is due to irritation that also occurs in the throat and vocal cords.
- The emergence of sour and bitter taste in the mouth
Severe acid reflux disease can cause stomach acid to rise up into the mouth. Sometimes, the rest of the food also goes up with stomach acid. As a result, sufferers can feel a sour and bitter taste in the mouth.
Reduces and Treats Heartburn
To reduce the pain of heartburn, sufferers can avoid foods that trigger it, such as spicy foods, chocolate, soft drinks, onions, fruits with high citrus, eating too much, and fatty foods.
As for the treatment itself, it depends on the underlying cause. Consult with your doctor first about the complaints you feel. After the doctor records and analyzes, then you can get the right treatment.
In addition, maintaining an ideal body weight can also be one way to prevent heartburn. Excess weight will increase the pressure on the abdomen and push the stomach up. This is what will eventually cause stomach acid to rise into the esophagus.
Also avoid lying down immediately after eating. If you really want to lie down, at least give yourself a break of about three hours after eating.
Most symptoms of acid reflux do cause discomfort, especially heartburn. If the symptoms of heartburn have interfered with daily activities, immediately consult a doctor to get the right and appropriate treatment. Because, the cause of heartburn is not necessarily due to rising stomach acid.