The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by pyrosis (heartburn): Respiratory system (J00-J99) Bronchial asthma (reflux asthma) Note: Successful reflux therapy for bronchial asthma may reduce the need for long-term therapeutic agents! Bronchial obstruction (narrowing (obstruction) of the bronchi). Chronic cough Chronic laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx) Chronic … Heartburn (Pyrosis): Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes and sclerae (white part of the eye). Abdomen Shape of the abdomen? Skin color? Skin texture? Efflorescences (skin changes)? Pulsations? Bowel movements? Visible vessels? Scars? … Heartburn (Pyrosis): Examination
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification Test for Helicobacter pylori (see below Helicobacter pylori infection/laboratory diagnostics).
Therapeutic target Improvement of the symptomatology Avoidance of complications of pyrosis (heartburn) as a sign of reflux esophagitis (esophagitis due to reflux (backflow) of stomach acid into the esophagus). Therapy recommendations Symptomatic therapy (when gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is assumed and no alarm symptoms are present: such as. Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), odynophagia (pain on swallowing), … Heartburn (Pyrosis): Drug Therapy
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnosis or to rule out complications Esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD; endoscopy of esophagus, stomach, and duodenum)* – for suspected Barrett’s esophagus as chromoendoscopy by applying acetic acid or methylene blue to the mucosa … Heartburn (Pyrosis): Diagnostic Tests
Within the framework of micronutrient medicine (vital substances), the following vital substances (micronutrients) are used for supportive therapy of heartburn: Calcium Potassium Magnesium The above vital substance recommendations (micronutrients) were created with the help of medical experts. All statements are supported by scientific studies with high levels of evidence. For a therapy recommendation, only clinical … Heartburn (Pyrosis): Micronutrient Therapy
To prevent pyrosis (heartburn), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Diet Malnutrition: Large, high-fat meals Drinks rich in sugar such as cocoa or too much sweets (especially chocolate). Hot spices Fruit juices (eg citrus juices / orange juice) with a lot of fruit acids. Peppermint tea and peppermint lozenges … Heartburn (Pyrosis): Prevention
The following symptoms and complaints of heartburn may indicate reflux esophagitis (esophagitis): Leading symptoms Dull pain or burning sensation or pressure behind the breastbone. Acid regurgitation, usually related to the type and amount of food eaten and often occurring at night during sleep Reflux of acid gastric juice into the mouth possible Reflux especially when … Heartburn (Pyrosis): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Pathogenesis (development of disease) The following pathophysiologic mechanisms may contribute to heartburn (pyrosis): Aggressive gastric juice Impaired self-cleaning powers of the esophagus (food pipe). Insufficiency (weakness) lower esophageal sphincter (lower sphincter of the esophagus) (about 20% of cases are due to anatomical and functional changes). Delayed gastric emptying Change in the anatomical location of the … Heartburn (Pyrosis): Causes
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of pyrosis (heartburn). Family history Is there a frequent history of gastrointestinal disease in your family? Social history Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). Do you notice … Heartburn (Pyrosis): Medical History
Cardiovascular System (I00-I99). Coronary artery disease (CAD) – disease of the coronary arteries. Myocardial infarction (heart attack) Mouth, esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and intestines (K00-K67; K90-K93). Diffuse esophageal spasm – neuromuscular dysfunction of esophageal muscles with intermittent retrosternal (located behind the sternum) pain. Functional dyspepsia (irritable stomach) Hypercontractile esophagus (nutcracker esophagus) – motility disorder (movement … Heartburn (Pyrosis): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
