Heartburn symptoms can occur after a large or high-fat meal, as digestion is more complicated and can favor the return of acidic stomach contents to the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the stomach, constant belching, a feeling of full stomach and bitter taste in the mouth.
Heartburn is a very uncomfortable situation and is more common in pregnant women and people who are overweight, as in these situations the stomach suffers pressure from the surrounding structures. See more about heartburn.
In the presence of heartburn symptoms, it is important that a gastroenterologist is consulted so that the cause can be identified and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated to alleviate and prevent symptoms.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of heartburn are:
- Indigestion;
- Burning sensation in the stomach, which can extend to the throat;
- Feeling of a full stomach;
- Reflux of food, which is the return of food from the stomach to the esophagus, towards the mouth;
- Constant and involuntary belching;
- Swollen stomach;
- Acidic or bitter taste in the mouth.
Furthermore, in the most serious cases, the reflux of hydrochloric acid from the stomach can reach the entire esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest area which is called heartburn, in addition to causing coughing, a bitter taste in the mouth and constant belching.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of heartburn is made by the gastroenterologist by evaluating the signs and symptoms presented by the person. Furthermore, it may be recommended to carry out tests with the aim of identifying the cause related to heartburn, such as upper digestive endoscopy, for example, which is an exam that can reveal changes in the larynx and esophagus such as Barrett’s esophagus, and check that the valve that closes the stomach and prevents the backflow of food into the esophagus is working properly. Understand how upper endoscopy is performed.
What to do
It is possible to promote relief from pain and burning in the stomach through some changes in everyday life, such as:
- Avoid eating too much;
- Avoid acidic, fatty, spicy or heavily seasoned foods;
- Do not smoke;
- Do not drink anything with meals;
- Do not lie down right after eating;
- Use a high pillow to sleep or place a 10 cm wedge at the head of the bed;
- Do not wear tight or tight clothing;
- Don’t go too long without eating;
- Do physical exercise regularly;
- Only take medications under medical supervision.
The best remedies for heartburn are antacids, such as Pepsamar and Omeprazole. But it is important to say that antacids work by reducing stomach acidity and can be effective for heartburn, but they do not always resolve the cause of heartburn, which is why it is important to consult a doctor. Additionally, fennel tea and lemon juice are good options for relieving heartburn symptoms naturally. Check out other home remedies for heartburn.
