Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), or heartburn is a disorder of the lower esophageal sphincter, the one-way valve that lets food pass from the esophagus into the stomach and prevents it from flowing backwards. A loose, weakened valve, a common result of pregnancy or obesity, allows stomach acids and bile to back up into the esophagus and irritate it.
Symptoms include a burning sensation underneath the breastbone after you've eaten something you liked that didn't loke you. Sometimes the fiery feeling is mistaken for a heart attack, or worse, a heart attack may be labeled as heartburn. The burning sensation can often turn into actual pain, radiating into neck and left shoulder, resembling the one associated with heart attack.
Foods that trigger heartburn include peppermint, spearmint, fats and chocolate. Citrus juice, tomato products, coffee (even decaffeinated coffee), tea, colas, hot peppers and alcohol can also aggravate or initiate heartburn. Certain drugs also have been indicted. Progesterone in oral contraceptives, the tranquilizer Valium, antibiotics, asthma and certain heart medications are just a few examples. The acidity in vitamin C can cause the problem, too.
Diseases causing heartburn - A burning, gnawing pain, usually felt throughout the upper part of the abdomen and sometimes in the lower chest is the major symptom of a gastric ulcer. It usually occurs just after eating and can last from half an hour to three hours. The problem can come and go, with weeks of intermittent pain alternating with short pain-free periods. A duodenal ulcer produces a similar gnawing pain, usually confined in a small area in the upper middle abdomen but sometimes radiating throughout. The pain is often temporarily relieved by eating, but then returns several hours later and lasts for a couple of hours. It's often worst at night.
WHAT TO DO - The first reaction to an attack of heartburn is usually to take an antacid tablet and lie down. But it's the wrong reaction. According to Dr. Barbara Bachman, M.D., the best way to get immediate relief from heartburn and sit up. Sitting up helps reduce the pressure against the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Liquid antacid preparations may be better, because they coat more of the surface of the esophagus and stomach, providing more soothing relief.
Preventing heartburn - To minimize attacks, avoid the foods or drugs that aggravate them. This can be done by keeping a food diary and noting which food or foods bring on an attack. If you're obese, losing weight may also help to relieve pressure on the weakened sphincter muscle. If heartburn is a frequent problem at night, raise the head of your bed four to six inches. This will elevate your upper body without "folding you in half", which can aggravate the condition/ Also, avoid using extra pillows for the same reason.
Do not ignore heartburn - If left untreated, chronic heartburn can lead to more serious medical problems. The constant backflow of acid can cause ulcers in the esophagus, beacuse the delicate tissue there are susceptible to damage by stomach acid and even bile. This can lead to scarring of the esophagus and eventual narrowing, which can make swallowing food difficult or even impossible. Contrary to some beliefs, modern studies show that Helicobacter pylori infection, the major cause of stomach ulcer, does not cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (86).
Diseases that can mimic GERD - Allergic eosinophilic esophagitis is an allergic inflammatory reaction of the esophagus, increasingly diagnosed in children and adults. Some foods may cause eosinophilic esophagitis such as cow's milk, eggs, soy and wheat. If you heartburn does not respond to conventional treatment and you experience chest pain, cramping, diarrhea, nausea,
skin rash or hives, vomiting and weight loss, then you should consult your doctor immediately. For unknown reasons, men are more commonly affected than women, and it is most commonly found among young boys and men. People with GERD often, but not always have reflux laryngitis, which is treated the same way as GERD.