Heartburn not only causes a burning pain in the chest, it can also cause considerable mental stress to sufferers. This is the result of a Norwegian study in which more than ten thousand patients were surveyed. Early treatment prevents serious consequences. When and how treatment for heartburn should take place, you will learn below.
What is heartburn?
Heartburn occurs mainly after rich meals or during stress. If the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus does not function optimally, the food pulp can flow back out of the stomach. Then stomach acid also enters the esophagus. This is a mixture of hydrochloric acid and protein-splitting enzymes produced in the stomach lining to digest food and destroy germs from food. The esophagus can handle isolated acid attacks. However, if stomach acid regularly enters the esophagus, it corrodes the sensitive lining and causes inflammation (reflux esophagitis).
Heartburn: Take symptoms seriously
Especially long-lasting heartburn can trigger numerous complaints in those affected. The most common symptoms include:
- A burning sensation that can radiate from the upper abdomen to the neck.
- Retching
- Frequent belching
- Stomach pain or pressure
In addition to the physical symptoms, however, the study in Norway also showed that the condition causes serious restrictions on the quality of life. Sufferers reported fears of hidden serious diseases, mental continuous stress and reduced vitality.
Heartburn: When to see a doctor?
Many patients suffer especially at night. When lying down, the gastric juice can flow up to the mouth and from there enter the respiratory tract. Thus, heartburn can trigger chronic bronchitis and asthma-like symptoms. And if the coughing irritation interferes with deep sleep, the patient feels unrested and exhausted in the morning. Permanent irritation of the esophagus can lead to the development of scar tissue, which in turn constricts the esophagus. In the long term, there is even a risk that the mucosal cells in the esophagus will degenerate and cancer will develop. For these reasons, a doctor should always be consulted if symptoms persist. In addition to the family doctor, the appropriate contact person is a gastroenterologist. A physician should be consulted immediately if the following symptoms are severe:
- Dysphagia or pain when swallowing
- Vomiting of blood and anemia (anemia)
- Unexplained weight loss
Remedy for heartburn
At the latest, if mild symptoms occur several times a week or last longer than two to three weeks, the doctor should be consulted. He can prescribe special drugs that almost completely inhibit acid production in the stomach. In particularly severe cases, it is possible to surgically strengthen the sphincter of the stomach. This “fundoplication” is used in specialized clinics. Below we present the most common remedies and medications for heartburn.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPI).
Proton pump inhibitors may be considered for treatment in cases of severe and persistent symptoms. They inhibit an enzyme in the lining of the stomach that is instrumental in acid production. The drugs work for about three to four days. Proton pump inhibitors should not be taken for longer than four weeks without a doctor’s instructions. A visit to the doctor is also advisable if there is no improvement in symptoms within two weeks.
Acid-binding agents (antacids).
These agents form a kind of mush in the stomach that binds or neutralizes excess acid. They contain aluminum or magnesium compounds, for example, and are available over-the-counter at pharmacies for the short-term treatment of minor or occasional discomfort in the form of chewable tablets, gels or drinking solutions. The effect sets in within a few minutes and lasts for several hours. They work best when taken two to three hours after meals and before bedtime. Some preparations can be used for a short time during pregnancy after consultation with a doctor. Preparations containing aluminum compounds should not be taken in combination with fruit juices, citrus fruits, or vitamin C, as this will increase the amount of aluminum in the blood.If antacids are given at the same time as other medications, such as antibiotics, they may interfere with their effects.
Acid-inhibiting agents (H2 blockers).
H2 blockers occupy binding sites (H2 receptors) in the stomach lining for the tissue hormone histamine, which is involved in the production of stomach acid. As a result, less acid is produced and released into the stomach. The tablets are available over the counter for short-term treatment. Their effects kick in after a few minutes and last for several hours. Because stomach acid is produced primarily at night, it is a good idea to take the acid-blocking agent in the evening. Pregnant women should only take H2 blockers after consulting their doctor. These medications are not suitable for children.
Preparations containing calcium or sodium carbonate.
They bind the excess stomach acid, but in the process a large amount of flatulent carbon dioxide gas is produced and the acid secretion is rather stimulated. Therefore, these preparations should not be used in continuous use.
Combination preparations
In addition to an acid-inhibiting agent, such medications contain, for example, defoaming agents that cause bubbles in the stomach contents to burst more quickly and relieve flatulence. However, defoamers such as dimethicone or simethicone are not effective against heartburn. Other antacids additionally contain herbal extracts, for example, from celandine or bismuth compounds, whose effect on heartburn is viewed rather critically.
Healing clay (natural loess).
Healing clay is a mixture of quartz and clay minerals with acid-binding effect and was already used in ancient times. The natural medicine is only available for internal use for mild, occasional heartburn in pharmacies.
Baking soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate).
Formerly used as a common home remedy for heartburn, the use of sodium bicarbonate is now discouraged. While sodium bicarbonate has been shown to neutralize stomach acid, it raises the pH in the stomach too much. As a result, the stomach acid is less acidic, which is why the stomach counteracts with an increased production of gastric acid. A so-called “rebound effect” occurs.
What else helps against heartburn?
Experts therefore warn against taking heartburn lightly. For mild symptoms, acid-inhibiting or acid-binding drugs available over the counter at pharmacies can help. At the same time, one should:
- Avoid fatty and lavish meals
- Reduce stress
- Reduce weight
- Reduce coffee consumption
- Avoid alcohol
- Limit smoking
In addition to the medications mentioned, these behavioral changes often already help to alleviate or get rid of heartburn.
