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Heartburn How Does It Feel
How can I tell the difference between chest pains and heartburn??
I used to have chest pains when I used to do drugs and I had an eating disorder, but now I've been getting them lately even with no drugs in quite a while and eating ok. I have some acid reflux (I think) caused by being bulimic, where I get like acid/whatever come up and so it makes sense that maybe what I have is heartburn. Also though even just like one pop with caffeine and like 35mm caffeine seems to really effect my heartrate and maybe the chest pains, but I cannot tell if that's it for sure, so I'm avoiding all caffeine just in case. It seems strange though because there were times I had 1200mg caffeine or 100mg amphetamine or even cocaine and I didn't always have bad effects then. Maybe that explains why I cannot handle even a little big of stimulants now because I took too many in the past?
But anyway - my real question is what does heartburn feel like EXACTLY and how can I tell if it's something more serious?
The only way to evaluate your symptoms is to visit a physician for an evaluation. Your situation is complicated by your past drug use (congratulations on being clean!) and past eating disorder, which might have caused some cardiac damage. Both anorexia and bulimia can affect electrolytes, which are responsible for cardiac muscle function.
Acid reflux/heartburn is a symptom of GERD. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can hurt a little or a lot. It can burn. It can cause shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, palpitations, and chest pain. GERD damages and inflames your esophagus. It creates a precancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus, which leads to esophageal cancer. GERD is be treated with proton pump inhibitors (AcipHex, Nexus, Protonix), which stop production of stomach acid and allow your esophagus to heal.
You may want to read more about GERD at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gerd/DS00967 and http://www.medicinenet.com/gastroesophageal_reflux_disease_gerd/article.htm.
You must be honest with your physician about your past drug use and eating disorder. Your physician may do an EKG to see if your cardiac function is normal and may also refer you to a cardiologist if needed. Or he/she may simply prescribe a proton pump inhibitor for you.
What to avoid if you think you have GERD?
http://www.gicare.com/pated/edtgs03.htm
You should never drink soda if you have acid reflux. Soda helps force the lower esophageal sphincter http://www.nbc10.com/2006/0209/6867277.jpg open and that stomach acid climbs right up.
Fast Facts on Heartburn
Having occasional heartburn attacks is quite common for most individuals. Heartburn, which is also known as pyrosis, is a burning or painful sensation in the esophagus that is commonly caused by the regurgitation of gastric acid. This condition is noted to be one of the causes of mimic asthma and chronic cough.
Heartburn is oftentimes falsely associated with heart disease or condition like heart attack. In fact, it has really nothing to do with the heart. Some people think as such for the burning sensation is felt at the breastbone, the spot where the heart is located.
Causes of heartburn
Certain foods and drinks
1. Chocolate
2. Spicy food
3. Sodas (carbonated beverages)
4. Citrus juices and fruits
5. Garlic
6. Wine
7. Tomato sauces
8. Peanuts
Psychosomatic causes
1. Fatigue
2. Stress
Drugs
1. Cocaine
2. Caffeine
3. Alcohol
4. Tobacco
As enumerated above, the causes of heartburn are generally linked to the improper or too much intake of foods that do not give good effects to the body. If one is suffering from heartburn, a doctor will immediately recommend the most common treatment, which is Antacids. This medication will surely neutralize a person’s acidity in the stomach.
Moreover, treatments for those who have chronic heartburn attacks vary, including endoscopy. The said test further analyzes and determines the true cause of the condition. This way, patients will know if there are other complications associated with their heartburn attacks.
Avoiding heartburn
It is not necessary for one to shell out a lot of cash just to seek treatments for heartburn. In fact, those who suffer from this condition can get effective remedies for heartburns from the very comfort of their homes.
1. Eat as many apples as you can.
Just like what the famous rhyme says, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Yes, eating apples is a good way of treating heartburn. A person can eat as many apple as he can without having to worry about any detrimental side effect. Experts claim that an apple effectively neutralizes acid inside the body. Plus this delicious fruit is known to be rich in vitamins and minerals, thus, helping the body to become fit and healthy.
2. Drink Aloe Vera juice or distilled white vinegar.
Aloe Vera juice is one of the most common natural remedies for heartburn. One is sure to have instant relief to heartburn with just a few ounces of this juice. This juice is widely available at local supermarkets and food stores.
As for distilled white vinegar, some people regard this as a great natural cure for heartburn. Once the burning feeling begins to well up, one should drink a tablespoon of this vinegar to immediately ease the pain of heartburn.
3. Avoid foods that can trigger heartburn.
Probably the best way to avoid heartburn attacks is to simply refrain from eating too much foods that are known to trigger the said condition. Maintaining a healthy diet as well as eating in moderation will surely keep one from having heartburn problems.
Further reading: Acid Reflux Symptoms.
Read more about what foods to avoid if you have acid reflux: Acid Reflux Diet.
More about acid reflux symptoms: What does acid reflux feel like?.
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