Heartburn, causes and consequences. How to treat a burning sensation in the esophagus

Burning, cramping, chest pain and unpleasant burping - signs of malfunction of the digestive system, often occurring during or after a meal and at bedtime.

The medical name for this phenomenon of reflux esophagitis, acid reflux, or in a word - heartburn. What are the causes and effects, how to treat - issues of concern according to the polls 40% of the population.

Heartburn: etiology and pathogenesis

Heartburn occurs as a result of gastroesophageal reflux disease, ie the return of stomach contents into the esophagus current. But few people know that this is a normal physiological process.

In a healthy person of reflux episodes occur both during and for a few hours after eating. They last long and are not seen, without any of the clinical picture.

Heartburn, pain and discomfort caused when the duration of GER episodes begins to exceed 5-7 minutes. This occurs as a result of lowering the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter.

In the normal state, it acts as a valve, preventing the contents of the stomach and into the esophagus. When the sphincter is weakened, it is no longer "open" and "closed" properly, causing abnormal reflux.

The main cause of heartburn - a lack of food sphincter. It arises as a consequence of feedback and internal abnormalities, acidity, and other lifestyle factors that treatment depends.

Heartburn by changing pH of the stomach

Changing the pH of gastric juice entails diseases of the upper digestive organs and as a consequence of heartburn. The biggest problem has always been considered a source of increased acidity. Aggressive acid and proteolytic enzymes irritate the esophageal cells causing acid reflux.

Over the past 30 years, the average acidity decreased from pH 2-3 to pH 3-4, and the number of people suffering from heartburn only increased.

This fact has led Gastroenterology concluded that the low acidity is also the cause of heartburn. Hydrochloric acid contributes not only to food digestion.

It kills bacteria that penetrate with food. it decreased concentration creates a favorable environment for microorganisms that begin to proliferate in the walls of the stomach.

As a result of their metabolic gas is formed which is accumulating, it presses against the sphincter. Under pressure occurs throw food and gastric enzymes begin to irritate the esophagus. When regularly increased intragastric pressure appears heartburn.

Which leads to a change in pH and the appearance of GERD:

• violation of the diet: the wrong meal, overeating;
• tight clothing;
• carbonated drinks;
• dairy products, especially with lactose intolerance.

Infectious causes of heartburn

The most common cause of chronic heartburn doctors believe Helicobacter pylori. The full name of the bacteria - Helicobacter pylori.

His name was given for the fact that lives in the pyloric part of the stomach and has a spiral shape - "Helic." The main feature is that she is not afraid of hydrochloric acid and feels comfortable in it.

It proves that the bacterium is the cause of many diseases of the digestive organs, Barry Marshall. Fanatic devotee of science just drank a test tube with H. Pylori. For this he received a gastritis, a Nobel Prize and the nickname "Gastroenterological crazy."

Due to its resistance to gastric juice, H. pylori can live for decades on the walls of the stomach.

The bacterium feeds on epithelial cells and destroys them cytoskeleton. In addition, during the life, the microorganism releases poison gases. Progressively formed mucosal defect occurs ulcer, gastritis, and chronic heartburn.

Heartburn is a result of anatomical abnormalities

Quite often weaken food sphincter leads hiatal hernia. When offset occurs stomach into the abdominal cavity through the esophageal aperture. There are frequent belching, retrosternal and psevdokoronarnye pain, heartburn.

By diaphragmatic hernia causes increased intra-abdominal pressure which can result from trauma, heavy lifting, constipation and obesity. Most of all it affects women and people over 40.

Heartburn - a symptom as the disease

Heartburn that occurs more than once a week, is a consequence of pathologies of the digestive system, or whole organism. In this case, the causes and consequences of gastroesophageal reflux as it depends treat the nature and complexity of the disease.

Disease, provokes chronic heartburn:

classification of diseases	Disease	Description	symptomatology
Digestive diseases	GERD	A chronic, progressive disease. It develops as a result of reduction in tone and operability lower food sphincter	Frequent heartburn · Belching · Difficulty in swallowing food · Chest pain · Hiccups
Cholecystitis	Inflammation of the gall bladder	·Heartburn · The white plaque on the tongue · Pain in the right upper quadrant
Gastritis	A histopathological state, and is characterized by long-term inflammation of the stomach lining	· Painful episodes of heartburn · Pain in the abdomen infracostal ·Emaciation · Zayed near the mouth · Brittle nails and hair
peptic ulcer disease	Frequent consequence gastritis that affects mucosal layers to be
Endocrine	Diabetes	Systemic disease that can manifest itself in violation of the digestive tract works. Provokes gastroparesis (difficulty with gastric emptying) and atony (decreased tone of the stomach wall)	Frequent heartburn, even with proper diet · Feeling "stone in the stomach" · Constant bitter taste in the mouth · Burp, sometimes "congestive" vomiting
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome	Due to the appearance hormonally active adenoma which produces increased amounts of gastric juice. Its excess causes the formation of peptide and duodenal ulcers.	·Stomach ache ·Diarrhea ·Heartburn · Regurgitation · Sometimes there is a sharp weight loss
autoimmune diseases	scleroderma	Connective tissue disease, in which there is dysfunction of the digestive system, kidneys, heart and lungs	·Flatulence ·Heartburn · Constipation, diarrhea, or vice versa
Infectious diseases	viral esophagitis	The mucosa of the esophagus is coated vesicles, which eventually transformed into ulcers	· Painful swallowing ·Dysphagia · Acid regurgitation ·Heartburn

It's important to know! Treat yourself as to diagnose the causes of acid reflux without consultation with a gastroenterologist extremely dangerous. Heartburn may be a manifestation of cancer. Consequences of neglect their own health in this case will have serious consequences.

Psychosomatic causes heartburn

Heartburn and other dyspeptic disorders is not always a pathological consequences. they often have psychosomatic causes such as prolonged stress, overexertion, depression. In this case, you need to treat the nervous system, rather than the stomach.

The reason for the destructive effects of stress hormones catecholamines, which are produced by the body in response to strain. These include cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. The following processes are the result of their release:

• changing the chemical composition of the blood and increases the level of free radicals, which have a negative effect on the cells;
• blood begins to be distributed evenly throughout the body. The body first thing in supplying vital organs, to "save" on other parts of the body, especially in the gastrointestinal tract;
• reduced immunity, regeneration processes, the protective layer of the stomach;
• there is a weakness of the cardiac sphincter, which manifests itself as heartburn, may appear erosion, ulcers;
• increased intra-abdominal pressure due to muscle spasm, which also leads to heartburn.

Doctors called stress "the silent killer" and assured that all diseases of the nerves.

Heartburn during pregnancy

Perinatal Medicine argues that every other woman is experiencing symptoms of acid reflux during pregnancy. In this case Heartburn (causes and consequences, how to treat) is fully connected with the anatomy and physiology of the process of pregnancy:

• enlarged uterus presses on the stomach, causing casting of its contents into the esophagus;
• an excess of progesterone, which lowers the tone of smooth muscles and relaxes the muscles of the lower third of the esophagus, causing GER.

Risk factors

There are a number of factors, which may eventually lead to failure of the sphincter of the food and the appearance of heartburn:

• Obesity. Overweight forms increased abdominal pressure and compression of the stomach, at which appears acid reflux.
• Elderly age. Associated with general aging, wear body, accumulation of toxins and the appearance of age gastritis, diseases of the upper digestive organs.
• Scoliosis. As a result, curvature of the spine there is pressure on the stomach and its contents into the esophagus enters.
• Nicotine, caffeine, alcohol. These substances act on nizhnepischevoy sphincter muscle, weakening it and leading to failure and poor clamping cardia.

consequences of heartburn

Constant or episodic heartburn is not only spoil the quality of life, sleep and mood. Regular casting corrosive hydrochloric acid into the esophagus can cause serious complications.

esophagitis

esophageal epithelium is significantly different from the stomach. Its cells are not protected against the acid and digestive enzymes.

At constant reflux gradually there is inflammation, which eventually develops into esophagitis.

The symptoms of heartburn are added in constant pain, difficulty swallowing food, excessive salivation.

GERD

Heartburn can be a cause of GERD and its consequences. In the first case of reflux attacks are becoming more and more painful. If you ignore the first signs of GERD and begin to treat them in time, there is a regurgitation of bile, painful swallowing and gastrointestinal motility disorders.

Barrett's syndrome, and cancer of the esophagus

In 10% of patients heartburn leads to the syndrome (esophagus), Barrett. A condition in which (flat stratified epithelium) of the esophagus are replaced by cells uncharacteristic cylindrical or intestinal.

Symptoms like GERD: regurgitation, pain, heartburn. But the causes and effects necessary to treat medically and surgically removed. Otherwise pathology can lead to adenokartsenome (cancer) of the esophagus.

Asthma and upper respiratory tract disease

Studies have shown that between 30% and 80% of patients with asthma suffer regular heartburn. The reason is hit hydrochloric acid in the respiratory tract.

In addition to asthma attacks, frequent bouts of heartburn can cause respiratory problems following:

• Chronical bronchitis;
• chronic cough;
• chronic sinusitis;
• emphysema;
• pulmonary fibrosis;
• repeated pneumonia;
  

  Problems with the voice and throat

Heartburn can cause hoarseness and laryngitis. Doctors say that patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux voice changes over time. But these problems are rapidly disappearing from the beginning of therapy.

dental disease

Acid, which enters into the mouth as a result of reflux, gradually destroys tooth enamel. According to experts people who experience chronic heartburn, suffer from problems with the gums, teeth, especially tooth decay. This also leads to bad breath and increased salivation.

Wondering where heartburn, causes of, and possible consequences of how to treat it need not wait for complications. Doctors insist: if the reflux episodes lasting more than three weeks, to be examined urgently.

Drug treatment of heartburn

Drug treatment of heartburn based on reception of 3 types of drugs: antacids, prokinetics and antisecretory drugs.

Treatment of heartburn antacids

Formulations antacid group chemically neutralized with acid to form a protective film on the erosion damaged tissues and increase the tone of a sphincter of the food. Divided into two groups:

1. Suction (dissolve in the blood). Characterized by rapid, but not sustained action.
2. Nonabsorbable. Preparations based on hydroxide and aluminum phosphate. Their duration is much longer, but compared with the first group effect is not so fast.

Table 1. Antacids to treat heartburn

suction antacids
Title	Price	Dosage	Act	disadvantages
Rennie (chewable tablets)	From 160 rubles. 12 pcs.	Table 1-2. at intervals of 2 hours. The daily dose should not exceed 11 pi.	Rapid removal of heartburn symptoms by reducing the level of gastric acidity and activity of its enzyme	· When neutralizing hydrochloric acid generated carbon dioxide, which increases belch, flatulence, bloating · When drug action ends, the body increases the production of hydrochloric acid 30% · Short action: 30-40 min. · Regular use leads to hypercalcemia, nausea and constipation · Treat heartburn (acid belching) as a consequence of the use of poor-quality food and drink, but do not help if the causes of internal pathologies
Vikalin (tablets)	119 rubles. 50 pcs.	Table 1-2. 3 times a day, 1-1.5 hours after a meal
nonabsorbable antacids
Fosfalyugel (gel)	From 300 rubles. 20 bags	1-2 sachet 2-3 times per day	· Exerts a neutralizing effect on HCL in the stomach, but not alkalify it, by the application of the effect lasts for a few hours · Due to the enveloping effect contribute to the healing of ulcers and erosions	· Do not have such a rapid effect, as suction antacids · Not recommended for pregnant and children under 3 years due to the aluminum content
Almagel (suspension)	227 rubles. 170 ml.	5-10 ml. at times of the day and at night an hour after eating
Gaviscon (suspension)	From 227 ml of RUB 150	10-20 ml after meals. The maximum daily dose of 80 ml.

Important information! Soda - a popular antacid in the home. How to treat it with the help of acid reflux knows almost everyone. Really burning, epigastric pain pass, but only for a few minutes. Through time heartburn comes back like a boomerang, or "acid rebound".

By reaction with hydrogen carbonate (baking soda) produces a large amount of carbon dioxide, which causes the body to secrete even greater amount of HCL. Admission soda only complicates the causes and effects of reflux, damaging the cells of the esophagus.

Treatment of heartburn antisecretory

Proton pump inhibitors

The drugs of this category is in the title. They inhibit (block) Hydrogen potassium ATPase, or proton pump - the enzyme which is responsible for the production of hydrochloric acid. Exactly due to the cessation of HCL secretion receiving PPIs firmly relieves all symptoms of heartburn.

PPIs are widely used in gastroenterology for the treatment of acid-related disease: GERD, failure of the lower food sphincter gastritis. they also protect the skin cells with hormone therapy, and use of antibiotics.

H2 blockers

Another group of drugs, which is prescribed for the treatment of heartburn - is H2 blockers. Them action aimed at reducing the acidity due to the blocking of histamine (Neurotransmitter, stimulates gastric juice production). In parallel with this process decreases the amount of digestive enzymes produced, especially pepsin.

H2-histamine blockers are used not only to relieve heartburn. They are prescribed for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases involving hypersecretion of gastric juice and HCL. Medicines of this group contribute to the healing of skin cells, activates circulation of the gastric mucosa and act as gastroprotectives.

Antisecretory drugs for the treatment of GERD

Category	Title	Price	application / dose method	disadvantages
IPP	omez	169 rubles. 30 pcs. (20 mg)	10-20 mg for 30 minutes before a meal, 2 times a day	· When chronic administration of hypergastrinemia arises (excess gastrin)
IPP	omeprazole	80 rubles. 28 pcs. (20 mg)	Fasting 20-40 mg
H2-blockers	famotidine	74 rubles. 20 pcs. (40 mg)	40-80 mg 2 times	· It should be taken in large doses · Gradual tolerance to the drug · Exposure to only one type of receptor
H2-blockers	ranitidine	65 rubles. 30 pcs. (150 mg)	150-300mg 2 times

Prokinetic treatment of heartburn

By prokinetic drugs include stimulating motility, peristalsis and evacuation function of the stomach. they also increase the tone of nizhnepischevodnogo sphincter, which is especially important in the treatment of heartburn and its pathogenesis. Examples of prokinetic drugs - it Motilium, Ganaton, Itomed.

heartburn medication in pregnant women and children

Standard treatment antacids are not suitable for pregnant women. Medications include aluminum salts, magnesium and phosphorus, which may affect the fetus and the mother. Only with strong attacks, doctors are allowed to use Aluminum phosphate gel.

The best treatment of heartburn in pregnancy is diet control, split meals, alkaline mineral water and herbal infusions.

Sleep recommended cushions, so that the body does not lie entirely in a horizontal position. Mandatory requirement - to exclude the use shpy and other antispasmodic drugs.

In childhood is also possible heartburn. What are the causes and effects, how to treat GER - issues that may arise from their parents already at 4-5 months a child's life. It is determined by the acidic content in belching and only under the supervision of a pediatrician.

Treatment of acid reflux in the early age coincides with therapy for pregnant women.

note! Research in the field of pediatrics and gastroenterology suggested that sudden infant death syndrome may be associated with blocking of the airways due to reflux.

Traditional medicines against heartburn

Traditional medicine has long been competes pharmacology. Many confidently abandoned in favor of the pharmaceutical drugs decoctions, mummy, honey and aloe. The most attractive of such treatment - is the price and naturalness, which promises not to cause side effects.

Home "ambulance"

There are traditional methods of eliminating heartburn within minutes. They do not need to pre-press, or to keep in a dark place. Enough simply to eat or drink:

• Ginger root. It has gastroprotective effect by blocking acid and suppressing Helicobacter pylori. According to a study in 2007, he is 6-8 times more effective than lansoprazole to combat heartburn and peptic ulcer disease. Acute attacks enough to drink tea brewed teaspoon grated ginger
• Unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Quickly restores pH, eliminating the burning sensation and pain. But only if the cause of heartburn decreased acidity, atrophic gastritis or H. Pylori. In the latter case, the vinegar will act as a bactericide. For use dilute 1 tsp in a glass of warm water and drink.

• Almond. Tasty and healthy way to quickly neutralize the acid and reduce the symptoms of GERD. Enough to eat after eating raw almonds 3-4 things.
• Flax seeds. Suitable for the prevention, emergency care, strengthen the entire microflora and immunity. For immediate effect spoon milled seeds pour boiling water, cool and drink. You can carry the seeds with and consume 10-20 grams at each fit.

Remove the heartburn and normalize digestion

1. Calamus root. Of all the popular treatments for heartburn eating sweet flag is in the first place. The main advantage - it is safe for children, pregnant women.

Its use during lactation does not change the taste of milk and does not cause diarrheal illness in infants. Recipe: 1/3 teaspoon per welding (200 mL). Drinking on an empty stomach or before a meal.

2. Aloe vera. Aloe reduces the acidity level, acts as a healing balm in the presence of erosions and ulcers, normalizes peristalsis increases tone cardia, strengthens the immune system. For the treatment used inside juice or pulp itself before meals and during attacks.

3. Potato juice. The starch contained in the potatoes will neutralize hydrochloric acid and envelops the stomach wall.

He also links the food and does not let her affect on the mucosa, which eliminates any consequences reception spicy food. Potato juice can be treated as a very heartburn and pathogenetic causes of its appearance: GERD, ulcers, gastritis.

Tips nutritionists and nutrition plan

Nutritionists assured that no one drug does not guarantee a complete cure without proper nutrition. But at the thought of having to sit on a diet, many are dull oatmeal and lean soup with carrot floating alone.

In fact, everything is not so bad. To replace the fries comes the food, which will bring energy, stomach health, the entire digestive tract. And the taste buds get used to very quickly.

serving size

To begin to reduce portion sizes. Sometimes there are psychological problems, when a person suffers from an imaginary malnutrition. You must purchase a new small plates.

Firstly, it will mark the beginning of a new healthy life. Secondly, it is much nicer to have a complete small than large, but half-empty dishes.

split meals

Food should be taken every 2-3 hours. For this it is necessary to carefully monitor. In order not to run into a nearby dining room for dubious pie, you need to take food with you to work, study.

Plenty of water

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• a glass of water before meals. Facilitate digestion, relieve the load from the gastrointestinal tract.
• The water temperature should be warm.
• Water should be boiled or purified. No water from the tap, it contains harmful bacteria, rust, chlorides.

to the food requirements

• With a high content of antioxidants: fruit, vegetables, berries, pitted.
• Probiotics. They can be obtained from supplements or from natural fermented yogurt, sauerkraut, sourdough bread.
• Licorice, fennel, anise. licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, known soothing effect on the stomach. A seasoning of fennel and anise helps restore mucous.

• A lot of fiber. Particular attention should be paid to proraschonnye seeds, seeds of legumes, wheat germ. This is actually a cure for heartburn, its causes and consequences.
• Useful oil: pumpkin seed, linseed, olive, coconut. They have a favorable effect on the surface of the stomach wall, reduce inflammation

Blacklist products

Heartburn, causes and its consequences must be how to treat and prevent. The best prevention - to exclude products that affect the tone of the sphincter of food:

• coffee;
• citrus;
• milk;
• roast;
• acute;
• tomatoes;
• White bread;
• red meat;
• refined sugar.

Successful treatment of heartburn include active and mobile lifestyle and daily routine, weight control, lack of nervous stress. An integrated approach, together with medicine, nutrition, healthy habits will have an immediate effect on the recovery.

As manifested heartburn, causes and consequences. How to treat:

What to do to get rid of heartburn and from the acidity of the stomach: