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Heartburn Hoarseness
Dealing With A Heartburn Attack
People that experience a heartburn attack feel the burning pain behind their breast bone, although some feel the pain in their middle back. Contrary to the name, a heartburn attack has to do with the digestive system rather than the heart.
Severe Heartburn Requires a Doctor Visit
Ordinary heartburn is a normal part of modern life. Quick meals, spicy food and lots of caffeine translate into occasional bouts of a burning sensation in the chest. Usually, an antacid tablet or just a little time takes care of the problem and life goes on. You know deep down that this is a medical problem, but it's so common and usually not more than an annoyance.
Nevertheless, the symptoms of heartburn can mimic the symptoms of more serious disorders and severe heartburn can lead to chronic problems. How do you know when it reaches the level of severe heartburn and you need to see a doctor?
Common Sense
Some of the ways to know when to go to the doctor are just common sense. The symptoms of even mild heartburn are difficult to overlook as you know your own body. When the symptoms change, become more frequent or more painful you know it. Often, people feel a little silly to bother a doctor with a condition that could be a common, minor problem. No one likes to look like a complainer. However, it is always safer to err on the side of caution with a matter like severe heartburn.
When your heartburn persists even after you have taken the medication that normally works, you may be experiencing severe heartburn. If the problem lasts longer than usual and the pain is worse, you should call your doctor. Difficulty in swallowing, pain when swallowing, or the feeling of having something stuck in your throat is a sign that you should contact your doctor. Don't ignore pain that keeps you awake or wakes you during the night, nor should you ignore pain in the neck, chest or back.
Ordinary heartburn will not cause vomiting and signs of blood should never be ignored. Other signs of severe heartburn include persistent hoarseness, throat pain and coughing or wheezing. Excessive saliva or serious weight loss are indications that you should call the doctor. Above all, ordinary heartburn should not interfere with your regular routines.
Accepting severe heartburn as part of your life is not necessary. If over the counter medicine or home remedies don't take care of the problem, you may be experiencing something other than heartburn. Acid indigestion, for instance, is not the same as heartburn in spite of similar symptoms. It is much more serious and can lead to much more chronic conditions. If you feel that you are experiencing severe heartburn on a regular basis, assume that you are right and contact your physician.
About the Author
Eddie Lamb provides an abundance of vital information on a range of health topics. We believe a better understanding of your disorder can help reduce unnecessary anxiety. You'll find a host of useful articles all about acid reflux listed on our site map page at
Heartburn Attack
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Heartburn; a Burning Sensation
What is heartburn?
Heartburn, also called acid indigestion and acid reflux, is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD. It occurs when the acids from absorbing foods back up into the lower throat region. The refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat. Although it can be a nuisance at any time of day, for most people it is worse after a meal at night.
Acid Reflux affects millions of people daily. Ten percent of the population suffers from it at least once a week, and twenty-five percent of pregnant women experience daily heartburn. Other causes of heartburn are lying down after a meal, bending over, and a persistent hiatal hernia.
Its symptoms
Symptoms of acid reflux may include persistent sore throat, hoarseness, chronic cough, asthma, heart-like chest pain and a feeling of a lump in the throat. It feels like a burning chest pain beginning behind the breastbone and moving upward to the neck and throat. Heartburn pain can be mistaken for the pain associated with heart disease or a heart attack, but there are differences. Acid reflux disease can cause a number of symptoms in addition to heartburn, including: Regurgitation, a bitter or sour taste at the back of your throat, belching, bloating and early satiety (feeling full too soon).
The burning, pressure, or pain of heartburn can last as long as 2 hours and is often worse after eating. Elevating the head of the bed on 6-inch blocks or sleeping on a specially designed wedge reduces heartburn by allowing gravity to minimize reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.
Foods That Trigger Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Find out what foods in your diet can aggravate heartburn and acid reflux. Certain foods and beverages to avoid are chocolate, fried or fatty foods, coffee, alcoholic beverages, and acidic foods.
Common foods that can worsen reflux symptoms include citrus fruits, garlic and onions, mint flavorings, spicy foods, tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili, and pizza.
Remedies
Antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Riopan, are usually the first drugs recommended for quick relief of heartburn and other mild GERD symptoms. Antacids taken regularly can neutralize acid in the esophagus and stomach and stop heartburn. However, because antacids are short acting and do not prevent heartburn, they are less useful for frequent or severe heartburn.
Herbal remedies can include ginger, and even chamomile, but a natural cure for heartburn could be as simple as opening your food cupboard as many healthy foods are well known for their beneficial effects on our internal system.
Decreasing the size of portions at mealtime may also help control symptoms. Smoking is also a contributor of GERD symptoms and should be eliminated if symptoms persist. Testing your pH regularly is helpful in monitoring the acidity level of the esophagus.
Over time, patterns can be established and many people report elimination or reduction of acid reflux symptoms after changing their diet accordingly to eliminate problematic food or drink.
Medical Treatment
See your health care provider if you have had symptoms of GERD and have been using antacids or other over-the-counter reflux medications for more than 2 weeks.
Proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers can relieve symptoms and heal the esophageal lining in almost everyone who has GERD. Because drugs work in different ways, combinations of medications may help control symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve with lifestyle changes or medications, you may need additional tests. Endoscopic techniques used to treat chronic heartburn include the Bard Endo Cinch system, NDO Plicator, and the Stretta system.
Surgery is an option when medicine and lifestyle changes do not help to manage GERD symptoms.
About the Author
Ann Stewart, author, inspirational writer and wellness coach, shares tips on how to fight off disease and feel your best in her weekly newsletter, Youth Makeover: Youth Makeover Who is she? Find out at: As the Eagle. You're welcome to subscribe to her free weekly inspirational newsletter: Life Altering Words
