How to get rid of heartburn? Causes and treatment of the disease. Recommended methods of prevention

Gastroenterologist

Vinogradov

Dmitry Alekseevich

4 years of experience

Gastroenterologist

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Millions of people of all ages suffer from heartburn. And only a quarter of patients turn to doctors for medical help. Symptoms include a burning sensation in the esophagus, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, pain in the lower chest and is accompanied by a bitter, acidic taste in the throat and mouth. Heartburn is not so harmless in its clinical nature. It is periodic or chronic in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and can vary in frequency and intensity. Pharmacy medications provide only temporary relief, so a visit to a gastroenterologist and the prescription of adequate therapy is the main recommendation.

Causes of heartburn and how to combat the disease

Heartburn manifests itself as a burning sensation or discomfort in the sternum, which can spread to the epigastric region, following to the esophagus.
In most cases, this symptom is associated with gastroesophageal reflux, a condition when the food sphincter is weakened and the esophagus fills with stomach contents. heartburn from time to time , and 10% of them experience painful sensations on a weekly basis, which interferes with a full life. But few of them are familiar with the causes and mechanisms of development of this disease, so they ignore the symptoms.

If you do not consult a specialist in time, the feeling of constant heartburn will lead to nervousness and irritability, as it constantly provokes discomfort. Ignoring symptoms is not recommended, and it is worth getting diagnosed immediately after they appear. Choosing medications for heartburn on your own is dangerous, since they depend on the specifics and cause of the phenomenon. Only the right prescription will help restore health.

What is heartburn

In essence, this is a symptom that occurs when the sphincter opens and acidic contents are thrown into the esophagus. This is one of the most striking manifestations of GERD, signaling irritation and inflammation of the esophagus. Occasional heartburn due to overeating or consuming sour foods is not dangerous. But if reflux becomes almost daily, this is an alarming symptom. Most often, the problem occurs after eating, when the stomach begins to actively produce acid and pepsin to process the incoming food.

How does heartburn develop?

The main cause of heartburn is a malfunction of the stomach, since its contents irritate the esophageal mucosa.

During normal functioning, the stomach maintains an acidic environment, as it contains hydrochloric acid. This substance activates enzymes that break down food. Therefore, after eating, an increase in acid concentration is observed. The esophagus maintains a neutral environment, and the mucous membrane does not have a reliable protective shell. Filling of the intestines with substances from the digestive tract and heartburn are eliminated thanks to the sphincter (a ring-shaped muscle located between the organs), which does not interfere with the movement of food in only one direction.

For some reason , the sphincter muscles weaken, so hydrochloric acid passes into the stomach, combining with the contents of the tract. The mucous membrane becomes irritated and many chemical burns appear on it. At this point, the person begins to feel heartburn .

Heartburn in pregnant women. How to help?

Heartburn in pregnant women is common.

Women expecting a baby are a separate category of patients with heartburn. This condition is due to the fact that the growing uterus puts pressure on all organs and systems.

The problem is aggravated by the fact that pregnant women are not recommended to take many medications. How to help an expectant mother cope with a burning sensation in the esophagus? There are a number of rules that should be followed:

• away from all potentially dangerous products, even if you really want to;
• eat little and often;
• do not take a horizontal position after eating.

What home remedies are allowed for a pregnant woman? The list is small, but all recommended methods have worked well:

1. Warm milk is good for both the baby and the expectant mother, and will relieve heartburn.
2. Carrot juice and grapefruit juice. Take citrus fruits with caution so as not to provoke an allergy attack.
3. Nuts – several kernels each, as this is a fatty and high-calorie food.
4. Vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon during an attack. And the heartburn will go away, and the problem of constipation during pregnancy will be solved.

If heartburn is tormented and home methods do not help, then it is better for a woman in the position to consult a doctor.

Causes of heartburn

The manifestation of this symptom is not always observed as a consequence of gastrointestinal disease. In most cases , the causes of heartburn are disorders in the diet and behavior of people. Among the main factors that lead to heartburn :

• excessive consumption of food (if you constantly overeat, the stomach will begin to stretch and complete closure of the sphincter will be impaired);
• bad habits (regular smoking and coffee abuse);
• lying down immediately after eating;
• being overweight (increased pressure in the abdominal area does not allow the sphincter to relax);
• addiction to special foods (chocolate in large doses, fried and spicy foods; fresh baked goods);
• use of aggressive drugs (this applies to medications taken before meals);
• difficult pregnancy (increased abdominal pressure);
• wearing tight clothes (the abdominal cavity also suffers, food returns back to the organs of the esophagus).

With an increased frequency of symptoms (once every seven days or more), the causes of heartburn are gastrointestinal diseases, which require immediate diagnosis and treatment . Heartburn itself in this case has an unchanged mechanism, but is triggered by the following diseases:

• GERD – it is characterized by a chronically relaxed food sphincter;
• the development of gastritis with high acidity of the stomach, which is chronic and is often provoked by the action of Helicobacter pylori;
• stomach ulcer – the mucous membrane is covered with numerous ulcerative defects;
• the gallbladder functions with disturbances such as cholecystitis: the duodenum moves its contents to the stomach, after which the esophagus is filled with it - in this case, additional bitterness may be observed.

Taking symptomatic medications relieves discomfort for a short time, but does not completely eliminate heartburn .

Prevention is the best cure for heartburn

Preventing reflux is part of treatment by following a diet and limiting negative factors. Remember that heartburn from water is reduced by diluting the amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Drink it throughout the day. Avoid eating large portions of food and lead a healthy lifestyle. In this case, heartburn and nausea will not bother you. If attacks are frequent and symptoms last for 2-3 months, you need to undergo an examination, which will prevent the exclusion of severe diagnoses.

Common signs of heartburn

Heartburn is recognized quite simply, as it is accompanied by specific symptoms. Discomfort may occur within half an hour after eating. When heartburn affects the pancreas or gallbladder, the problem may take a longer time to notice.

Patients suffering from heartburn experience the following symptoms:

• a burning sensation that can move to the throat, but in most cases affects only the stomach;
• sour aftertaste in the mouth;
• sour belching;
• acute pain in the abdomen (in addition to which the person is bothered by a burning sensation that feels close to heart pain).

Heartburn can cause numerous adverse consequences if you do not think about treatment . This problem is quite dangerous.

Heartburn symptoms

Heartburn is described as a painful subjective sensation, accompanied by burning, pain and discomfort behind the sternum, spasm, pressure, nausea, and heaviness in the abdomen. With GERD, heartburn is one of many other symptoms. The pain can be localized in the epigastric region, in the throat area, and may be accompanied by sour belching and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Sometimes reflux that occurs at night causes a sore throat and cough.

Heartburn gets worse after eating, especially when lying down or bending over, and may be temporarily relieved by eating or drinking liquids.

Basic rules of nutrition for heartburn

Any clinical symptoms caused by the digestive system depend on the person’s habits and attitude to recommendations from specialists.

1. The bulk of the diet should be consumed in the first half of the day. A hearty breakfast, a medium lunch and a light dinner are required.
2. It is better to exclude foods that cause heartburn .
3. You cannot rest in a horizontal position after finishing lunch, breakfast or dinner. It is healthier to go for an easy walk at a moderate pace.
4. Eliminating discomfort using traditional medicine, for example, soda, is not entirely correct, because such behavior will worsen the unpleasant condition of heartburn .
5. The body needs regular, abundant fluids. But these are not fruit juices and strong teas. Clean water is considered a suitable option.

Before you get rid of heartburn by resorting to these tips, you should consult with a specialist so that your heartburn does not get worse.

Treating heartburn at home with folk remedies

At home, various folk remedies can be used to treat heartburn. Their mechanism of action is associated with a decrease in the acidity of gastric juice or enveloping the mucous membrane of the esophagus and protecting it. Folk remedies for heartburn with high acidity include: milk, soda, chamomile. Enveloping agents create a protective film on the mucous membrane, eliminating the harmful effects of hydrochloric acid. This group includes flax seeds, slippery elm bark, and sunflower oil.

Baking soda

A natural antacid is baking soda. Drinking soda reduces stomach acidity and quickly eliminates heartburn.

To prepare a medicinal solution, you need to dissolve 0.5 teaspoon of soda in a glass of water. The prepared solution should be drunk in small sips.

Drinking soda is only a temporary relief. The disease cannot be cured this way. In addition, this method is not entirely safe, since neutralizing acid with alkali can harm the gastric mucosa. Drinking soda solution is contraindicated for pregnant women, as well as for persons with chronic diseases of the stomach and intestines.

Baking soda is the most popular heartburn remedy.

Flax seeds

You can quickly get rid of a burning sensation in the esophagus with the help of flax seeds. Flax seeds have an enveloping effect - they protect the mucous membrane of the esophagus. How to prepare the infusion: pour 2 tablespoons of flax seeds into 100 ml of boiled water, let it brew for 3 hours. Take the infusion once a day before bed or during an exacerbation. Single dose – 50 ml.

An infusion of flax seeds envelops the mucous membrane of the esophagus, protecting against acid

Slippery Elm Bark

To protect the lining of the esophagus from the effects of hydrochloric acid, slippery elm bark can be used. The bark contains mucilage, which becomes gel-like when mixed with liquid. The gel coats the walls of the esophagus and stomach, protecting them from irritation. Slippery elm bark is used in several forms.

Slippery elm bark forms a gel that protects the esophagus

pharmaceutical camomile

Another effective remedy against heartburn is chamomile flowers, from which you can make tea or decoction.

Chamomile helps with heartburn

Milk

One of the most accessible remedies to help get rid of heartburn is milk. Milk is a natural antacid. You can drink the drink without additives or with honey. 200 ml of warm milk will help neutralize high acidity. As a result, the burning sensation will decrease, shortness of breath and pain will disappear.

Milk is the simplest and yet most effective remedy for heartburn.

Vegetable oil

Vegetable oils can be used to relieve the symptoms of acid reflux. Some types of oils contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which neutralize hydrochloric acid. Thanks to this, the acidity of the stomach decreases, and the burning sensation in the esophagus becomes less intense.

What types of oils can be used:

• linen;
• rapeseed;
• olive;
• soy;
• sunflower.

It is recommended to drink 1 tablespoon of oil when you feel a burning sensation.

A spoonful of vegetable oil can save you from burning

Treatment of heartburn with drugs

Using folk remedies to treat heartburn is very dangerous, because they can aggravate the condition and cause serious complications. The fight against this symptom is carried out with the help of the following groups.

• PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) – these medications help reduce acidity in heartburn by protecting the lining of the stomach and esophagus;
• Histamine H2 blockers are weaker drugs that become less relevant: they reduce pepsin, which produces hydrochloric acid, which protects the mucous membrane;
• Antacids are drugs to protect the mucous membranes in the esophagus, neutralizing hydrochloric acid, prescribed for symptomatic treatment ;
• alginates - intended for the treatment of diseases when GERD is isolated, promote the formation of a protective layer to prevent chemical burns.

Heartburn can have different symptoms, depending on which medications are selected.

Heartburn. A bit of gastroenterology

Heartburn occurs when gastric juice enters the esophagus and larynx.

Heartburn occurs when gastric juice backflows from the stomach into the esophagus and larynx. This is not an independent disease, but a symptom of a number of gastrointestinal pathologies.

This condition cannot be dismissed, since heartburn can end on the surgeon’s table when the ulcer is perforated. Symptoms of the pathology:

• burning sensation behind the sternum, which intensifies when changing body position;
• bitter or sour taste in the mouth;
• chronic cough;
• in severe cases, when stool, vomiting with blood, pain behind the sternum or in the epigastrium, cold sweat are added to heartburn, emergency hospitalization is required.

Causes of discomfort:

1. systematic overeating;
2. abuse of spicy, sour, and overly sweet foods;
3. addiction to alcohol and tobacco;
4. increased body weight;
5. drinking carbonated drinks in large quantities;
6. the use of drugs from the NSAID group for the treatment of various diseases;
7. clothing that is too tight, pressing on the stomach;
8. weakening of the muscles that close the entrance to the stomach;
9. lifting weights after eating;
10. waiting period for the baby.

In addition, heartburn can be a sign of gastrointestinal diseases - gastritis, enteritis, duodenitis, erosive processes. Therefore, you should initially contact a gastroenterologist and undergo an examination.

Preventive measures

Preventing heartburn is less difficult than eliminating symptoms and treating the disease. As part of prevention, the following recommendations are followed:

• rejection of bad habits;
• adjusted diet;
• eliminating coffee from the diet;
• comfortable clothing that does not compress the organs;
• lack of excess weight;
• correctly prescribed treatment.

In the event that diseases provoke heartburn , the patient faces severe inconvenience, which only a doctor can eliminate.

Antacids

When the contents of the stomach, which are saturated with hydrochloric acid, are thrown back into the esophagus, heartburn occurs, that is, a burning sensation in the chest. It can be a symptom of a wide variety of diseases. To eliminate it, antacid tablets are used. What is this group of drugs? Antacids are medications that neutralize excess hydrochloric acid.

This helps reduce its irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the digestive organs. As a result, the pain syndrome goes away and the healing process of damaged tissues accelerates. In addition, antacids reduce high blood pressure in the stomach and duodenum. The drugs relieve spastic contractions of the stomach and prevent the reflux of hydrochloric acid into the esophagus.

Under their influence, the movement of stomach contents accelerates. Moreover, antacids have enveloping properties, protecting the digestive tract from aggressive influences. The peculiarity of antacids is their rapid action. Heartburn usually goes away within five minutes after taking the tablet. However, their therapeutic effect is short-lived.

Attention! Antacids do not eliminate the cause of heartburn, but only temporarily relieve the unpleasant symptom.

Indications for the use of antacids are the following pathologies:

• GERB (gastroesophageal reflux disease);
• peptic ulcer;
• acid-dependent pathologies during pregnancy;
• stomach upsets;
• acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, cholelithiasis (cholelithiasis).

Taking antacids without a doctor's prescription is dangerous. In some cases, heartburn can be a symptom of serious illnesses, which without proper treatment will progress and can cause a number of complications. Antacids, in turn, are divided into two groups: absorbable and non-absorbable.

The active components of the first category of medications interact with hydrochloric acid. They are partially absorbed in the stomach and penetrate into the systemic circulation. They act almost instantly, but their effect is short-lived. As a result of the interaction of absorbed antacids and hydrochloric acid, carbon dioxide is released. This causes the gastric pouch to stretch and release hydrochloric acid with even greater force.

Such drugs can only be used once. Their constant use can cause exacerbation and further progression of gastrointestinal diseases. A well-known and affordable absorbable antacid, which almost every housewife has, is baking soda.

Non-absorbable antacids have fewer unwanted side effects. The active components of the drugs are practically not absorbed into the stomach. Antacids neutralize hydrochloric acid, as well as bile secretions and pepsin. The therapeutic effect can last for two to four hours.

Vikair

The drug belongs to the group of absorbable antacids. It contains plant components, as well as some inorganic compounds.

Vikair has antispasmodic, enveloping and gastroprotective properties

The wide range of therapeutic effects of Vikair is due to the presence of such active ingredients as:

• rhizomes of calamus. The plant has bitter properties, which improves digestion, relieves spasms and stimulates the secretion of gastric juice;
• bismuth subnitrate. The substance has astringent and antiseptic properties. Bismuth forms a protective film on the surface of the gastric mucosa;
• alder buckthorn bark. The plant improves gastrointestinal motility, and also has a mild astringent and laxative effect, due to which it can be used both in the treatment of diarrhea and constipation;
• magnesium carbonate. Has a laxative and antacid effect;
• sodium carbonate. Reduces high stomach acidity.

Maalox

Maalox is a non-absorbable antacid. The drug neutralizes free gastric acid, and also binds and removes toxic substances from the body. Maalox has enveloping properties, which helps neutralize heartburn and protect the mucous membrane. In some cases, the drug is used in the treatment of pregnant women and nursing mothers. Maalox is available in the form of chewable tablets, suspensions, and powders for dilution.

Almagel

This is a Bulgarian drug, which is available in the form of a ready-made suspension for oral administration. The active components are aluminum and magnesium hydroxide. Almagel neutralizes hydrochloric acid and reduces the digestive effect of digestive juice. The product has an enveloping ability, which reduces the damaging effects of an acidic environment on the gastric mucosa.

Almagel begins to act within five minutes after consumption. Doctors prescribe the suspension for the following diagnoses:

• hyperacid gastritis;
• reflux esophagitis;
• ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.

Almagel can be used for alcohol abuse and abdominal discomfort due to overeating. The product is used not only for medicinal but also for preventive purposes. The suspension is taken during therapy with glucocorticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If necessary, Almagel is prescribed to pregnant women. Treatment in this case lasts no more than three days. The suspension is used under the strict supervision of a specialist.

Rennie

The active components of Rennie are calcium and magnesium carbonate. The product quickly dissolves in the stomach and neutralizes excess gastric juice, thereby protecting the mucous membrane.

Attention! Experts call Rennie an “ambulance” drug for heartburn.

Rennie is prescribed for heartburn and belching, which appear against the background of stomach diseases with increased secretion of hydrochloric acid. With the help of the drug you can get rid of heaviness in the stomach after overeating, drinking coffee or alcohol. In some cases, the doctor may decide to prescribe Rennie to pregnant women or nursing mothers.

Phosphalugel

Available in the form of a gel for oral administration. The product has a pleasant orange flavor. Unlike other antacids, Phosphalugel does not alkalize gastric juice, and also maintains the secretion of the gastric sac at a physiological level.

Phosphalugel is available in sachets for single use.

The drug binds toxic substances, removes gases and forms a protective film on the gastrointestinal mucosa. Phosphalugel is widely used for pathologies such as:

• peptic ulcer;
• reflux esophagitis;
• hiatal hernia;
• functional diarrhea;
• stomach disorders.

Gaviscon

The drug has a symptomatic effect, that is, it eliminates heartburn and belching, but does not affect the very cause of their occurrence. Gaviscon is produced in the form of chewable tablets or suspension. Most often, doctors prescribe the drug for dyspepsia that occurs against the background of increased gastric secretion. Gaviscon helps in cases where acidic contents are regurgitated and heaviness occurs in the epigastrium after eating.

Traditional medicines

Heartburn and belching, which periodically occur due to poor nutrition or functional disruptions of the gastrointestinal tract, are quickly relieved with both medications and traditional medicine recipes. Let's talk about the most proven advice from the populists:

• vegetable juices. You will need juice from potatoes, cabbage and carrots. Freshly squeezed juice is drunk three times a day in small sips for one month. The composition of the therapeutic liquid includes anti-inflammatory and enveloping components. They effectively relieve irritation and lower acidity levels;
• cereals. To prepare the medicinal mixture, you can use flax seeds, oats or barley. They have a softening and enveloping effect. Take two tablespoons of seeds and pour 150 g of boiling water. Leave until completely cooled. The product should be taken every day before bed. For persistent heartburn, it is recommended to chew several grains of oats for half an hour, periodically swallowing saliva;
• nuts. Grind walnuts or almonds in a mortar to a powder. Take one tablespoon when heartburn occurs;
• raw potato juice. An hour before meals, drink 100 ml of freshly squeezed juice.

When dyspepsia occurs, the first thing you can do is drink a glass of clean water at room temperature. It is better to give preference to alkaline mineral water without gas. It has a salty taste. Heartburn and belching are common symptoms of various gastrointestinal diseases. Sometimes their appearance is caused by errors in nutrition and is temporary.

In this case, you can get rid of unpleasant manifestations by adjusting your diet and diet. If heartburn with belching occurs constantly and is a symptom of pathological processes, you cannot do without medications. Depending on the cause of dyspepsia, patients may be prescribed antacids, prokinetics, proton pump inhibitors, and H2-histamine receptor blockers.

Despite the list of indications and unconditional advantages, these drugs have a number of side effects and contraindications. To avoid harming yourself further, take medications after the examination and follow your doctor's recommendations.

Give me heartburn medicine. And it would be desirable to also help with bloating - are there any such remedies?

Yes, today there are combination drugs that simultaneously neutralize hydrochloric acid and stop the manifestations of flatulence due to the inclusion of simethicone in the antifoam composition. It reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles in the digestive tract, promoting their rupture. An example of such a drug is a combination of aluminum, magnesium hydroxide and simethicone in the form of a suspension. It simultaneously neutralizes hydrochloric acid, reduces gas formation in the intestines, and also envelops the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, protecting it from the damaging effects of aggressive substances [5].

H2-histamine receptor blockers

This group of drugs also treats acid-dependent gastrointestinal diseases. Often this group of medications is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of ulcers. Before considering the representatives of these drugs, let’s touch a little on the very mechanism of action of this group.

Attention! Blocking histamine receptors reduces the production of digestive juice and helps cope with pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

Histamine receptors are located on the membrane inside the stomach wall. They are involved in the production of hydrochloric acid. Substances contained in H2 blockers can reduce acid synthesis. Moreover, they inhibit ready-made acid, the production of which was caused by food intake.

Ranitidine

The tablets help reduce the secretory function of the gastric glands, thereby providing an antiulcer effect. They are widely used in gastroenterology for various diseases of the stomach and intestines. Ranitidine reduces the aggressive effects of gastric juice by reducing its acidity.

The tablets have a reparative effect, healing minor damage to the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach. Drinking Ranitidine is recommended for peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, reflux esophagitis, esophagitis caused by damage to the mucous membrane. It is also used to prevent the formation and exacerbation of gastritis and ulcers.

Prokinetics

What causes heartburn?

Many gastrointestinal diseases manifest themselves in the form of impaired gastric motility. Prokinetics normalize the movement of the walls of the digestive tract, accelerate the transit of the food bolus and increase the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing the backflow of the contents of the gastric sac.

Drugs in this group not only eliminate heartburn and belching, but also combat nausea and a feeling of fullness. Prokinetics also affect the muscle structures of the digestive system, preventing stagnation.

Motilium

The active ingredient of the drug is domperidone. Motilium is available in the form of suspensions, tablets for swallowing and lozenges. It belongs to the group of antiemetics. The drug accelerates the evacuation of the food bolus from the stomach, and also increases the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter. It prevents stagnation and acid reflux into the esophagus.

The active component of Motilium is domperidone, which accelerates gastric motility and speeds up the passage of food.

Motilium is prescribed in complex therapy for diseases such as reflux esophagitis and functional dyspepsia. The drug helps with nausea and vomiting caused by the use of dopamine agonists in Parkinson's disease.

How to quickly get rid of heartburn during pregnancy?

What helps with heartburn: treatment with folk remedies

• Drinking baking soda for heartburn during pregnancy is one of the most common “folk” ways to combat heartburn. This method really gives a quick effect, but it wears off quickly, and in addition, soda interacts with gastric juice, which leads to the release of additional portions of hydrochloric acid and, accordingly, to heartburn.
• Milk. The drink contains a large amount of proteins and antacids, which reduce acidity levels. Drinking one glass of milk is often enough to relieve heartburn. To enhance the effect, you can add a few drops of fennel.
• Potato juice , squeezed from grated raw potatoes, can be an effective remedy for heartburn during pregnancy, as it normalizes acidity. However, not everyone can bring themselves to drink potato juice, as it has a peculiar taste.
• Ground eggshells. The shell contains calcium carbonate, which reduces acidity levels in the body. Note that with long-term use, this method will give the opposite effect, that is, the acidity will increase.
• Carrot juice. Helps neutralize acidity.
• Oatmeal has an enveloping property, thanks to which it is able to block unpleasant sensations.

However, before resorting to “folk” methods of dealing with heartburn, still discuss with your doctor how best to cope with the problem in your particular case.

In recent months, heartburn tends to subside as the body reduces progesterone production and the pressure on internal organs decreases as the stomach lowers.

THIS IS NOT AN ADVERTISING. THE MATERIAL WAS PREPARED WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF EXPERTS.

Causes of heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn during pregnancy is common

During pregnancy, a woman’s body begins a global restructuring in the early stages. First, the hormonal background changes, the level of progesterone in the blood increases. This hormone relaxes the muscles, relieves the tone of the uterus and prevents spontaneous miscarriage from occurring.

Despite all the positive aspects of hormone production, there are also some unpleasant consequences, such as constipation and heartburn. It is generally accepted that heartburn appears only in the later stages, when the child puts pressure on all organs, but in the first weeks this phenomenon is also possible.

Food enters the stomach through the esophagus, and under the normal state of the body it does not return. But if the sphincter at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach is weakened, it cannot fully contain food and gastric juice, so some of it enters the esophagus. The mucous membrane of the esophagus is not designed for the aggressive effects of gastric juice; its walls are irritated and a burning sensation and sometimes pain occurs. All these sensations are usually localized in the chest, above the stomach, and sometimes even in the throat.

Over time, the fetus increases in size, the uterus stretches and begins to put pressure on nearby organs. The stomach changes its position slightly and it becomes easier for acid to enter the esophagus. In this case, the burning sensation can be very strong. Your doctor will prescribe a remedy for heartburn during pregnancy that will relieve symptoms and not harm the baby.

However, heartburn is often caused not only by the pregnancy itself, but also by the woman’s lifestyle. While carrying a child, tastes may change; a woman often wants a fried pie or cream cake. This food can provoke heartburn and irritate the mucous membranes.

Those women who are prescribed bed rest especially often suffer from heartburn. After eating, it is generally not recommended to lie down immediately, so as not to facilitate the flow of acid into the esophagus. If a woman has to lie down constantly, heartburn will not be long in coming. The presence of gastritis in a pregnant woman cannot be ruled out. If it was already present before pregnancy, you should inform your doctor about it.