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Dr Bryan Betty: Heartburn

Author
Bryan Betty,
Publish Date
Sat, 19 Aug 2023, 11:54am

Dr Bryan Betty: Heartburn

Author
Bryan Betty,
Publish Date
Sat, 19 Aug 2023, 11:54am

What is it?Ìý

  • BurningÌýsensation in the lower chest.
  • SometimesÌýwith a sour/bitter taste in mouth - often after big meal or lying
  • Very mild to severe.
  • Can causeÌýyou to cough or your voice to become hoarse.
  • Lasts minutes or sometimes hours.

ÌýÌý

What causes it?Ìý

  • Stomach full of acid to digest food.
  • Valve at top of stomach – may be weak and not fully
  • TheÌýacid in the stomach escapes into oesophagus (tube from the mouth to stomach) and causes a burning sensation.Ìý

ÌýÌý

Can things make it worse?Ìý

  • Yes - smoking, alcohol, coffee, citrus fruits which are acidic, tomato, chocolate, spicy foods - the list goes on!
  • Lying down after eating, being overweight, and some medicines.

ÌýÌý

How do you diagnose and treat it?Ìý

  • Often a careful history will give you the answer.
  • Can be serious sometimes and need further investigation: endoscope - Ìýcamera in into the stomach to look for ulcers or ‘burning’ oesophagus.
  • Sometimes do a test for a bacteria pylori which can make it worse
  • Treat with ‘antacids’ which neutralise acid,Ìýor medication which stops acid in the Ìýstomach, or if we have the bacteria,Ìýantibiotics.
  • Can help prevent: being careful what you eat, not eating big meals before bed, losing weight, stop smoking, reduce alcohol.
  • If have symptoms see your doctor!

Ìý

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