Heartburn rarely announces itself as a problem. It can show up after a big lunch, during a meeting, or at night, when you finally decide to do something about it. This article will do something for you.
Reflux is treatable with practical measures, and gastroenterology treatment will come in handy, if those measures stop working. First of all, you need to know your triggers, and then know when to stop solving the problem yourself.
What is really happening
The phenomenon is called reflux, and it happens when contents from the stomach start moving up the food pipe. There is a muscle valve at the lower end of the food pipe, and it needs to be tightly closed right after you finish eating. In case it opens at the wrong time or because of high pressure inside the stomach, acid moves up and causes heartburn. Doctors will call it gastro-oesophageal reflux disease if symptoms occur frequently enough. Reasons of it are different from person to person, that's why the generic advice works only to some extent.
Seven acid reflux tips worth making for managing heartburn
- Make a trigger diary for 2 weeks: There are many GERD triggers, and you need to identify yours. It will be helpful for you to write down what, when and how did you eat and how did you feel later. Often you will notice unexpected patterns, and this information will come in handy in case you see a doctor in future.
- Eat less, but not lighter: A very full stomach puts pressure on the valve. Eating moderate portions slowly is better than one big meal, especially late in the day.
- Wait before lying down: Many specialists recommend waiting for 2-3 hours after eating before going to bed or relaxing on the sofa. Gravity helps a lot.
- Increase the height of your bed: If you experience night symptoms, you can lift the head end of your bed by 15-20 centimeters (by means of bed raisers or a pillow wedge). Extra pillows can bend your waist and increase pressure.
- Minimize the pressure on your abdomen: Tight clothing can squeeze the stomach. In case the person suffers from excess weight around the waist area, gradually losing it is often one of the most efficient long-term measures.
- Honestly think of alcohol, caffeine and smoking: They can affect the valve or irritate the lining in some people. You don't have to give everything up, but it is useful to know which one of these affects you.
- Antacids – temporary solution only: Over-the-counter antacids may help with occasional heartburns. However, in case you find yourself constantly taking them, this symptom is valuable information you need to pass to the doctor, as stronger medications will be needed.
If lifestyle changes aren't enough
Many people put off seeing a doctor because they don't know whether their condition is "serious enough". In case you try to evaluate gastro in Dubai options, gastroenterologist in Dubai is a specialist dealing with disorders of the digestive system, and reflux is his everyday business.
Dubai London Clinics & Hospitals mentions acid reflux and GERD among the diseases diagnosed and treated in its gastroenterology in Dubai hospital, and notes that endoscopy is performed in the hospital-based unit. The site of this clinic is a good source for information on consultations.
The doctor usually begins by asking about symptoms, their duration, diet, medication and family history. Based on the answers he will discuss possible tests such as endoscopy – examination of the food pipe and the stomach with a camera. The purpose of the test is to determine whether there is inflammation or damage that needs treatment, and to explain the symptoms.
To get the most out of the consultation, it is helpful to bring the trigger diary, the list of any medications and supplements and the information about frequency of your symptoms. It is also useful to prepare your questions in advance, in order to leave feeling confident about future actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which foods can trigger acid reflux?
Common triggers include fried and fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint, tomato sauce, citrus fruit, fizzy drinks, coffee and alcohol. Spices bother some people, but not all. Triggering foods are individual, and a certain food from the list doesn't mean a problem for you. Moreover, it isn't necessary to remove everything at once, as removal of one food at a time allows you to identify triggers more easily.
How can I reduce heartburn naturally?
The easiest way to solve the problem is to change habits: small meals, staying upright after eating, avoidance of late dinner and stress management. Some people manage to reduce heartburn by drinking water to wash the acid down or chew sugar-free gums after meals increasing the production of saliva. There is no scientific evidence about efficiency of herbal medications, but "natural" methods are useful in case of mild, occasional symptoms, but should not substitute evaluation of the problem.
When should lifestyle changes be followed by medical evaluation?
See a doctor if you suffer from symptoms more than twice a week, for more than several weeks in spite of changes you made or if you use antacids constantly. Seek out a specialist immediately if you have trouble swallowing, unexpected weight loss, frequent vomiting, dark or bloody stool, or have recently developed any symptoms after age 40. Pain in your chest, particularly when it is accompanied by difficulty breathing, sweating, or pain radiating to your arm or jaw should be an immediate cause for concern due to potential heart issues being mistaken for heartburn.
This article is purely informative and cannot substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis, and treatment.
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