The burning or “heartburn” occurs when stomach contents move up into the esophagus because of a malfunction of the valve called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). This part separates the two organs to prevent acids from rising from the stomach into the esophagus. According to experts in General Surgery, when gastric acids go up the esophagus, they produce burning behind the sternum and can reach the neck.
Causes and symptoms of heartburn
The causes of heartburn are many and different, but the most frequent is hiatal hernia. It should be noted that having a hiatal hernia does not imply that you will have gastroesophageal reflux or the other way around. On the other hand, there are patients who come to the General Surgery office due to an alteration in the functioning of this valve from birth or due to its constitution. In addition, there are other factors that alter the internal esophageal sphincter, such as alcohol, smoking or heavy exercise.
Other symptoms of heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), medical terms for heartburn, are chronic cough with hoarseness, frequent vomiting or chronic throat involvement (in fact, some patients are diagnosed at the ENT office).
Steps to follow to treat burning
- 1. Change habits: It is necessary to eat easily digestible foods and avoid irritants such as alcohol, spicy foods, coffee and large meals. In addition, it is necessary to avoid smoking and to practice sports to avoid obesity. As at night is when most episodes of reflux occur, it is advisable to raise the head of the bed 20 cm. and not to lie down after eating (you have to wait 60-90 minutes for digestion to take place).
- 2. Medication: The most commonly used drug is omeprazole and its derivatives. It inhibits the production of acid in the stomach and, consequently, reduces the aggression to the esophagus. In this way the sphincter works better. Other drugs can be associated to accelerate esophago-gastric emptying but they should always be consulted with the surgeon or digestive system specialist.
- 3. Surgery: Indicated for those patients who do not respond to medical treatment or cannot follow it (in 90% of the cases reflux is solved with surgery).