Heartburn - a burning sensation in the epigastric region, and the sternum. According to modern concepts, the main cause of heartburn is the so-called reflux - reflux of acidic gastric contents into the esophagus.
The cause of the disease is the lack of closure of cardiac sphincter - muscle between the singular esophagus and stomach. Persistent, recurring heartburn frequently - an occasion to see a doctor. The fact is that heartburn can be a symptom of diseases of the stomach or esophagus.
Heartburn is often accompanied by gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux or duodenogastric, parasitic diseases.
It is associated with reflux of stomach fullness after small meals, belching, bitter taste in the mouth, coughing, pain or pressure in the chest.
The most common causes of heartburn include:
A rich meal. A large amount of food stretches the stomach, which weakens the valve. In addition, stands much acid necessary for digestion. These factors contribute to acid reflux into the esophagus.
Eating foods that irritate the lining of the stomach - alcohol, coffee, chocolate, carbonated drinks and spicy condiments, as well as smoking. This increases the production of gastric acid and relax the valve.
Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, orthofen. These medicines help to strengthen the development of acid in the stomach and reflux of acid contents into the esophagus.
Sleeping immediately after eating - the horizontal position of the body contributes to the ingress of acid from the stomach into the esophagus.
Stress and nervous disorders, anxiety.
Heartburn may also occur in healthy individuals, due to the consumption of large amounts of carbonated drinks, strong tea and coffee, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, freshly baked bread, etc. All these products help to lower the tone of the valve between the esophagus and stomach, causing gastric content falls into the esophagus, causing heartburn.