Heartburn is a sensation of burning felt in the chest. It is caused by stomach acid flowing back up into the oesophagus.
The burning is usually felt in the central part of the chest, it could be triggered or worsen by lying flat or lying on the right side.
Certain foods and drinks can cause heartburn, such as:
- Alcohol
- Coffee and other acidic juice
- Fatty foods, fried foods, spicy foods
- Orange
The oesophagus has a tight band of muscle at its lower end known as the lower oesophageal sphincter. This sphincter closes after food enters the stomach and prevents the stomach content to reenter the oesophagus. If for any reason this sphincter weakens or relaxes at the wrong time, the stomach acid can flow back into the oesophagus, causing a heartburn.
Heartburn can be treated and prevented through the following ways
- Avoid foods that can trigger heartburn
- Maintain an ideal body weight
- If experiencing heartburn at night, elevate the head of the bed.
- Use drugs that neutralize stomach ulcer.
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