Experiencing heartburn does not mean that you will have a heart attack; instead it is merely one of the symptoms of GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD is now considered one of the most common diseases going around in the modern world. Not only do adults have it, but the symptoms of GERD can also be found among infants and children. Good news is, the treatments are the same and they all work.
GERD is caused by the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. This opens and closes after food had travelled from the esophagus down to the stomach and into the intestines. The LES is also responsible for the release of gas from the intestines in the form of a burp. Now, when the LES is weakened by either too much food, or pregnancy, or foods which are too oily fatty, spicy or there is a constant influx of caffeine and nicotine into the system, this sphincter will inadvertently open and allow the food and stomach acids to go back from where it came from.
What does heartburn feel like? Well, everyone knows that it is that burning sensation in the chest which almost always is mistaken for a heart attack. Then of course the other symptoms of GERD include that vomitus in the throat that is sticky and makes it difficult to swallow. The whole thing just sort of happens and then lasts for either a short time of the whole day. It really depends on what diet and lifestyle you have that can increase the symptoms of GERD.
What is good about the symptoms of GERD is that they are most often relieved by simple OTC medications. OTCs like Mylanta, Tums, and Pepto Bismol work pretty fast. If there are none available, then other antacids should do the trick like a teaspoon of baking soda, apple cider vinegar should have the same results.
With severe GERD symptoms, doctors can prescribe medications like proton pump inhibitors. They work to decrease the gastric acid production in the stomach. The last of the GERD treatments if all else fails is surgery which has to be discussed with the doctor thoroughly.
People suffering from GERD do not really like to talk about treatments and avoidance and whatever else which may mean a diet or a shift in lifestyle, even if these are good for them. People are generally resistant when it means having to give up on the good food stuff and they have the misconception that if the go on a GERD diet they would be half of what they normally were. I agree, they would be half, half their size and healthier too. If they only comply, they would not have to suffer through the symptoms of GERD at all.
Cyndi Funaldi discusses heartburn remedies at her website. Learn more about symptoms of gerd and what does heartburn feel like.
