Being the most common symptom to the complicated and chronic condition, heartburn and acid reflux disorder, usually come together. When digestive acids are refluxed back into the esophagus, the inflammation spreads as a burning sensation in the chest, thus the name heartburn. This type or irritation is caused by the structural location of the esophagus that lies just near the heart.
Heartburn and acid reflux, either together or as individual health issues, are among the most widespread problems that the ageing population is facing. But when looking at these issues, one should take note that patients may suffer from acid reflux but not show any signs of heartburn, and conversely, there may be people affected by heartburn but not have acid reflux. The only thing that is certain about them is that no cure can magically eliminate them once and for all.
Though heartburn and acid reflux are chronic, they don’t have to strip the life out of the sufferer. Sure, discomforts and pain may be common but there are effective ways to control and prevent the symptoms from surfacing. What the patient ought to do is develop a health-conscious mindset that gears toward lifestyle changes. This would mean to quit smoking, alcoholism and make sure to eat just the right amount and right kinds of food. This may seem hard to some, especially those who are used to indulgent lifestyles but all the hard work will surely prove to be worthy in the long run.
While working on implementing the most natural means to avoid the symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux, which is changes in lifestyle, put ample focus on what and how you eat. Since the most affected area, physiologically, is the digestive tract, be mindful to not overeat. To help ease some of the pressure that digestion poses on the stomach, chew your food properly. Also, plan a diet that should include only heartburn and acid reflux-friendly foods and beverages.
When other illnesses are also present, it is important to be consulting with a doctor on the medication that you’ll be taking as some may also trigger the symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux. Some of the drugs to avoid that aggravate the conditions include: anti-anxiety drugs, channel blockers, nitroglycerine, beta-blockers, bronchodilators and NSAID’s.
To be successful in your fight against heartburn and acid reflux, don’t think of the measures to be taken as hassles. Remember, the effects and damages that the disorders may cause are long-term and non-reversible. So take good care and do not wait for further aggravation which would certainly be causing serious complications.