Heart Burn

Heart Burn

Heartburn is a pain or a sensation of burning that is caused in the esophagus due to the excessive secretion of gastric acid. Many people think wrongly that the disease is associated with heart, but the fact is that the disease does not have any relation with the heart and it has got the name only because of the burning sensation or the pain caused in bone near the heart.

The valve that connects the esophagus and the stomach gets weakened with the onset of the acid reflux disease. This causes the hydrochloric acid to flow outside the stomach which results in the disorder called heartburn.

The most widely used treatment for the heartburn is the intake of antacids. The antacid reacts with the stomach acid and neutralizes it, which reduces the pain immediately but it is rarely a permanent cure. Sometimes a solution of sodium bicarbonate and water is consumed which also acts as an antacid. However it has some side effects as excess sodium intake is harmful for the health.

Controlled diet which has no spicy foods, coffee and by avoiding smoking and drinking liquor and by following a regular exercise program the acid reflux can be avoided which may eventually prevent the heartburn.

Though there are number of medical treatments available for the heartburn, one of the immediate home remedy is by sleeping in a sitting position or at least by keeping the head in a higher position than the lower body. The occurrence of the disease can be minimized by following a dietary control and by avoid wearing tight pants which makes the acid to flow back.