Author: MJT
How To Spot Heartburn Symptoms
Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation or pain
below the breastbone or sometimes goes up to the neck. Heartburn symptoms
usually appear when lying down, after meals or when sleeping. Most of the time,
heartburn is due to GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease – the condition
wherein your stomach acid rises back up into your esophagus.
If you experience burning sensations that may mimic the
signs of asthma or heart attack, then you may be experiencing heartburn symptoms.
You should not disregard these signs and symptoms because it could lead to
other serious health conditions.
Heartburn symptoms may also occur due to negative
interactions with specific drugs, such as aspirin, non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), sedatives, beta-blockers and calcium channel
blockers used for high blood pressure, bronchodilators, progestin hormones and
other drugs. However, it is not recommended to stop medication without proper
medical consultation.
The most common heartburn symptom is the pain described as a
burning sensation or feeling in the chest. This sensation usually spreads up to
the neck, throat, jaws, arms and back. This is the main reason why many people
mistaken heartburn to heart attacks. For this reason, you should never predict
that your condition is truly a representation of heartburn symptoms and not
heart attacks. Seek medical attention immediately when chest pains occur.
Heartburn symptoms usually occur an hour or less after fatty
and protein-rich meals. Chest pains are worse when you are bending forward,
lying down or straining your back. However, it can be easily relieve by
standing or sitting upright, drinking water, swallowing saliva or taking
medications.
When To Seek Medical Help
Heartburn symptoms may vary from one person to the next.
Some people can experience a sour or bitter taste in their mouth after eating,
while others may affect their throats. Because different people experience
different stressful conditions and eat or drink different foods, they also
experience various levels of heartburn.
If the acid in your stomach remains for a longer time, your
esophagus can become damaged, making it difficult for you to swallow. In
serious cases of heartburn, you can experience dehydration, weight loss,
bleeding esophagus or blood in your vomit and bowel movements. Although some of
these conditions occur on severe cases of heartburn, it is still best to spot
those heartburn symptoms early to ensure proper treatment before it leads to
serious health risks.
Seek medical attention when antacids and other medications
do not work. Consult your doctor if heartburn persists more than three weeks,
even after changing your eating patterns. If you can’t spot heartburn symptoms,
but feel like you’re having intense chest pains, call your health care provider
immediately.
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