After eating, will you feel bad about your chest burning? Many people call it "heartburn", what's going on? Today we will talk about it~
01
Why do I burn my heart?
JINGYITONG
What we often call heartburn is actually a common symptom of digestive tract disease, or rather a burning sensation behind the sternum.
Usually heartburn is caused by "gastroesophageal reflux".
Why gastroesophageal reflux
The food group passes through two doors, the door that enters the stomach from the esophagus is the cardia (connected to the esophagus upwards), and the door that goes out from the stomach is called the pylorus (which is connected to the small intestine downwards).
At the junction between the stomach and the lower end of the esophagus, near the cardia, there is a muscle called the "subesophageal sphincter", which contracts and relaxes as we eat.
When we eat, the subesophageal sphincter relaxes and relaxes, and when food enters the stomach, it contracts, preventing food from regurgitating into the esophagus.
Therefore, when the "subesophageal sphincter" contraction occurs, the stomach acid will flow back to the esophagus, irritating the esophageal mucosa, and causing symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.
Experts remind: often acid burning heartburn, may be a symptom of some diseases, such as: reflux esophagitis, esophageal erosion, ulcers, etc., so it is recommended to seek medical treatment in time.
02
Heartburn and heart disease should be distinguished
Heart disease and unsuitable pain symptoms due to heartburn are similar, and correct differentiation is important for treatment:
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heartburn
Heart disease
symptoms
There is a burning sensation, a sour taste in the mouth, and the throat can feel the reflux of food.
Pressure, nervousness, pain, nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, cold sweating, fatigue and dizziness.
place
It begins with the upper abdomen extending upwards to the sternum and is more common after meals, especially when lying flat or bent over.
Radiation pain in the chest, affecting the left arm, back, chin, and neck.
Experts remind: Esophageal wall spasm may also cause chest pain, it is recommended to go to the hospital as soon as possible when unexplained chest pain occurs.
03
How to prevent heartburn?
Slowly
Saliva contains "bicarbonate", when we chew food, its antacid effect can neutralize stomach acid to a certain extent, and "digestive enzymes" also have a protective effect on the gastric mucosa.
Do not lie down immediately after a meal
It is best not to lie down immediately after meals, which will affect digestion and even appear symptoms of acid reflux; it is recommended that you can stand or walk after meals, which can not only promote digestion but also play a role in controlling weight.
Quit smoking and alcohol
The subesophageal sphincter becomes loose due to smoking, increasing the chance of acid reflux, while drinking alcohol increases esophageal peristalsis, resulting in a decrease in the ability of the esophagus to remove acids.
04
Don't overeat
Eating too fast and too much needs to be digested for a longer time, so the food staying in the stomach will also increase, which will lead to digestion and malabsorption, in addition, some indigestible foods will also increase the risk of acid reflux, such as glutinous rice;
05
Pillows are high
If patients who frequently experience acid reflux, they can raise the head of the bed or use a pillow cushion to raise 10 cm to 20 cm high when sleeping, and can use gravity to reduce the situation of nocturnal reflux;
06
Liquid food instead of rice
During the acute onset of reflux esophagitis, try to eat as little and eat as much as possible, mainly clear liquid foods.
You can choose lotus flour, knotty soup, soft noodles and other foods, usually drink more warm boiled water, which is beneficial to digestion and absorption of the gastrointestinal tract.
What should I do about acid reflux and heartburn?
Acid reflux heartburn is often present, and it is recommended to go to the hospital as soon as possible:
Recommended Departments:
Gastroenterology
Gastroesophageal reflux specialist clinic
This article is the original of "Jingyitong", if there is any content reprint, please indicate the source
Review expert: Liu Hong, Chief Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital
Edit: Medical mouth crisp, medical pear sand white