HEARTBURN CAUSES & EFFECTS
Heartburn causes
Heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux occur when acid that is produced in the stomach to help digest food, enters the oesophagus (the tube that leads from your throat to your stomach). At the junction between the oesophagus and stomach is a muscle called the lower oesophageal sphincter. When swallowing, this muscle relaxes allowing food and liquid to flow down through the throat and oesophagus and into the stomach, where it can be digested. Once the food or liquid has entered the stomach, the muscle closes again, stopping acid in the stomach from entering the oesophagus.
If this sphincter muscle relaxes abnormally or is weakened, stomach acid can flow back up into the oesophagus. The lining of the oesophagus is very delicate and not designed to deal with the harsh acid from the stomach so any acid entering the oesophagus can cause the burning sensation that is known as heartburn.
Heartburn triggers
The causes of heartburn are different for everyone. For some people it is caused by certain foods or drinks, or by lying down or exercising too quickly after eating a meal.
It may also occur as a result of lifestyle factors such as smoking or obesity.
Diet
For some people, what and how much they eat can trigger heartburn. Many people who have heartburn say that spicy foods or foods that are high in fat or acid cause them the most bother. Other common triggers for heartburn include chocolate and mint. It’s not only certain foods that can trigger heartburn – alcohol, coffee and fizzy drinks can all cause heartburn symptoms.
Lifestyle
It’s not only what you eat or drink that can trigger heartburn – lifestyle factors also have a role to play.
Smoking – There are many reasons to give up smoking – here’s another one! Smoking relaxes the sphincter muscle that normally stops acid from your stomach entering the oesophagus, causing heartburn.
Stress – Another major lifestyle factor that can trigger heartburn is stress. Many people who suffer from frequent heartburn say that their hectic lifestyle is a factor that contributes to it. Stressing about potential heartburn can also cause what’s known as the heartburn cycle 24 hour heartburn cycle . The fear of getting heartburn can cause enough stress to actually trigger heartburn. The stress can get further amplified by fearing night time heartburn and its negative impact on the quality of life the following day.
Being overweight – Experts believe that when a person is overweight, the extra body fat can put more pressure on the stomach. This causes high pressure inside the stomach, and the contents of the stomach may then be pushed up into the oesophagus, causing heartburn.
Pregnancy – Heartburn is one of the most common difficulties of pregnancy. Changing hormone levels during pregnancy may cause the sphincter muscle, which normally stops acid from your stomach entering the oesophagus, to weaken – causing heartburn. In addition, a growing baby can put extra pressure on the stomach, forcing acid up into the oesophagus. Do not take Pantoloc Control® if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Always speak to a pharmacist or Doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.
Medication
It is possible that some medicines that you are taking to treat other conditions may be causing your heartburn. Discuss any other medicines you may be taking, either prescribed by your Doctor or purchased over the counter, with your pharmacist or Doctor.
