My fiancée has heartburn problems every day, what could help her?
The cause of heartburn is the backflow of food from the stomach into the esophagus. Because the stomach contents are acidic, it causes an unpleasant burning sensation. Normally, the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach prevents the reflux of food from the stomach.
Heartburn causes a burning sensation in the area of the breastbone, in the upper abdomen, but other conditions can also cause such ailments. Therefore, a person suffering from heartburn should see their GP who will find out the cause of the ailment and make a diagnosis. In order to make a diagnosis, it is sometimes necessary to perform additional tests, their scope is determined individually by the doctor.
Gastroscopy is a very common examination in such cases. This test can determine if and what abnormalities in the esophagus and stomach are responsible for causing heartburn. During the examination, gastroesophageal reflux disease may be diagnosed - it occurs when the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach does not work properly. Another common situation is the so-called hiatal hernia of the diaphragm.
Certain foods can also trigger heartburn. These include alcohol, coffee, tea, coca-cola, carbonated drinks, chocolate, and citrus and pickled products. Once the diagnosis is made, medications to neutralize the acid in your stomach are prescribed. It is also important to avoid eating large amounts of food or drinking large volumes of fluid. Raising the pillow while you sleep can be helpful. The most important thing, however, is to contact your doctor and arrange a report.
Remember that our expert's answer is informative and will not replace a visit to the doctor.
Krystyna KnyplInternist, hypertensiologist, editor-in-chief of "Gazeta dla Lekarzy".
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