Archive for the ‘Heartburn and Acid Reflux’ category

Cures for Heartburn

August 10th, 2011

Heartburn is characterized by pain and a burning sensation in the stomach, chest and throat areas. Sometimes, the discomfort is so intense that searching for immediate cures for heartburn becomes an urgent task. While there are a number of pharmaceutical cures for heartburn being sold over the counter in all drugstores, some people would prefer to use natural cures for heartburn.

Antacids are the most popular medication prescribed as cures for heartburn. For some people, however, taking antacid cures for heartburn may not be an option. For one thing, antacids contain high levels of sodium, magnesium or aluminum. These elements can be incompatible with certain maintenance medications. For some individuals such as pregnant women and the elderly, taking antacids too much or too often can have adverse results on one’s health. It can lead to toxicity, or induce an acid-base imbalance known as alkalosis, which can be potentially serious and life-threatening.

When heartburn strikes, you don’t necessarily need to run to the drugstore to find relief. Instead, take a look inside your pantry to see which of these food items are available. In this article, we provide you with some cures for heartburn that can be found right inside your fridge or cupboards. » Read more: Cures for Heartburn

Symptoms of Heartburn

August 10th, 2011

Heartburn is a condition where the content of the stomach comes back up into the esophagus and throat. The main cause for this is a problem with the lower esophageal sphincter. This is the valve at the base of the esophagus. If this is not functioning correctly it will allow the stomach acids to come back up into the esophagus. Heartburn can also be caused as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle or a bad diet.

Acid reflux causes a sudden pain and burning feeling in the chest and can affect anyone regardless of their age. Its most common symptom is known as heartburn. If you have heartburn more than two or three times a week it is likely you have acid reflux.

If you do not treat acid reflux correctly it can become serious. Treatment should be given immediately to avoid the possibility of damage to the throat, inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders and breathing problems. The symptoms of heartburn are easy to notice so it is important that you get to see your doctor as soon as you notice them. » Read more: Symptoms of Heartburn

Understanding Acid Reflux Symptoms

August 10th, 2011

Reflux occurs when stomach acids are pushed back through a valve between the stomach and esophagus called the esophageal sphincter or what doctors call LES. This means that you regurgitate the stomach’s content which then causes an inflammation in the esophagus. Though it is not a big deal and it could probably happen to anyone, this could be a sign that your body is not healthy. However, the bottom cause of GERD is still unknown, it is believed that acid reflux is caused by being overweight and eating a poor diet. Usually, reflux occurs during digestion. It is when the stomach churns up acid into the esophagus which causes a burning sensation in the throat and chest.

Heartburn can happen to anyone. So what are the signs and symptoms that you may be experiencing an acid reflux? One of the most common symptoms of GERD is abdominal pain. Some may experience discomfort especially after meals. Also these people may have bad breath, excessive secretion of saliva, bitter taste in their mouth as well as sleeping problems. It is a fact that people with acid reflux develop a sleeping disorder called apnea, due to respiratory insufficiency. Other symptoms also include chest burn or aching, difficulty in swallowing, nausea, poor appetite, presence of blood in stools and vomit. Also breathing difficulties, throat inflammation and pain. » Read more: Understanding Acid Reflux Symptoms