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Heartburn or pyrosis is a painful or burning sensation in the esophagus, just below the breastbone caused by regurgitation of gastric acid. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw. Heartburn is also identified as one of the causes of chronic cough, and may even mimic asthma. Despite its name, heartburn actually has nothing to do with the heart. It is so called because of a burning sensation of the breastbone where the heart is located although some heart problems do have a similar sensation to heartburn. Compounding the confusion is the fact that hydrochloric acid from the stomach comes back up the esophagus because of a problem with the cardiac sphincter, a valve which misleadingly contains the word "cardiac" (an adjective referring to the heart) in its name.
2009-05-15

Heartburn Remedies and Ways to Prevent It  

Heartburn does not affect the heart as what its name implies. It is a reflux that happens when the acid from the stomach gets through the esophagus. This usually happens after a big meal or when a person is lying down.

Heartburn usually lasts from a couple of minutes to a few hours. Actually, most people often mistake heartburn for the onset of a heart attack. That is why it is important to know the symptoms of heartburn so you will not cause yourself an anxiety attack for fear of a heart attack. Some of the symptoms include but not limited to feeling of discomfort in the stomach, chest pain, throat pain and if there is an acid taste in the mouth. There are some who are predisposed to having heartburn frequently, check with the doctor, because if you do not it can lead to something much worse such as esophagitis.

Do not worry because there are heartburn remedies you can take such as antacids. However, it is most useful to know how to prevent one such as avoiding or limiting oneself to smoking, avoiding caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Citrus fruits and tomatoes and tomato products should also be avoided. Chocolates, mints and peppermints can make heartburn worse so if you can limit eating them, do so.

Remember it is always best to prevent heartburn than look for a cure. It is all about having a healthy lifestyle and eating the right amount that can actually prevent having all sorts of diseases and discomforts.



Autor: Cheryl Forbes

Cheryl Forbes owns and operates the website http://www.heartburn-remedy.info


Added: May 15, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

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