Heartburn is one of those complaints with which older people are associated with. Most of the elderly come to a hospital at least once in their life with complaints of heartburn,which is usually followed by belching.Some people fail to recognize heartburn and complaints only of belching.

The term heartburn is a misnomer because it has nothing to do with heart. The disease got this name because the person experiences pain in the region of heart.This occurs because esophagus is located in the chest and reflux of acid into esophagus is the cause of heartburn.Fortunately, the stomach is protected from its own acid by a special mucous layer. The esophagus, however, does not have any such special protection. If the lower esophageal sphincter does not close completely, the lower part of the esophagus can be damaged by stomach acid. When this happens, heartburn may be experienced.

Continual bouts of heartburn can be a symptom of a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Frequent or severe heartburn may limit daily activities and lead to further complications such as ulcers in the esophagus.About 30% of adults experience occasional heartburn, while 10% experience heartburn every day. About 25% of pregnant women have heartburn or related symptoms.

Causes of Hearburn

Foods and drinks

Foods and drinks like chocolate, peppermint, caffeine-containing beverages (such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks), fatty foods, and alcohol.

Position of the body

Lying down with head at a lower level or bending over position.

Increased pressure inside stomach

Anything that increases the pressure on the stomach and forces stomach acid backward into the esophagus can also cause heartburn. This is why lifting, straining, coughing, tight clothing, obesity, and pregnancy can worsen heartburn.

Drugs

Certain drugs can loosen the lower esophageal sphincter and cause heart burn.These include blood pressure and heart medications, and the asthma drug theophilline

Many substances directly irritate the lining of the esophagus and can contribute to heartburn. These include spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomato sauces, cigarette smoke, aspirin, ibuprofen , and medicines for osteoporosis.

Symptoms

The pain of heartburn is described as a burning feeling in the chest. Often, the sensation may spread up into the throat, jaw, arms, or back. That’s why heartburn is often mistaken for chest pain due to a heart attack. Stomach acid can also affect the respiratory tract, causing asthma, hoarseness, chronic cough, sore throat, or tooth damage.

Treatment for heartburn

Medical treatment.

Antacids medications, acid production inhibitors(H1 blockers and Prton pump inhibitors) are the mainstay of treatment. If symptoms persist even after these steps, surgery is the next step of treatment.Antacids containing calcium carbonate are the most potent in neutralizing stomach acid.

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle modifications is very much essential for treatment of heartburn.These lifestyle modifications are usufel in case of mild disease and preventing progression into full blown stage.

Stop smoking

Limit alcohol intake.

Avoid large meals.

Avoid caffeinated drinks and chocolate.

Reduce lifting weights and straining immediately after food intake.

Avoid lying down within 3 hours of meals

While sleeping, raise the head end of your  bed a bit using bricks.

Lose weight if you are overweight.

Low doses of Cimetidine, Ranitidine(rantac), Famotidine or Omeprazole or Rabeprazole.

Practice Yoga

By following these simple lifestyle modifications, we can prevent heartburn and lead a full filling life.