Heartburn is a common problem which is created by acid reflux, a condition where some of the stomach contents are forced back up into the esophagus. It produces burning pain in the lower chest. If a pain in the chest gets worse that is called chronic heartburn pain. The first symptom is a burning sensation in the throat or chest from stomach acid.

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What is Chronic Heartburn?

Chronic heartburn is a burning pain in the chest, just behind the breastbone. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or bending over. Infrequent heartburn is common and no cause for alarm. Most of the people can manage the discomfort of heartburn on their own with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications and if the condition gets worse then the last option is surgery.

Heartburn is more frequent or interferes with the daily routine and it may be a symptom of a more serious condition which requires medical care.

Risk Factors of Chronic Heartburn:

There are certain foods and drinks which can trigger heartburn in some people, including:

1. Spicy foods

2. Onions

3. Citrus products

4. Tomato products, such as ketchup

5. Fatty or fried foods

6. Peppermint

7. Chocolate

8. Alcohol, carbonated beverages, coffee or other caffeinated beverages.

9. Large or fatty meals

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Tips to Avoid Chronic Heartburn

1. Goodbye to Cigarettes

Smoking causes the body to make less saliva, a liquid which helps to stamp out stomach acid. That can lead to burning in the esophagus. Tobacco also causes the stomach to make more acid and relax the muscles at the lower end of the esophagus which can shut down the opening between the stomach and the esophagus. Chewing gum and sucking on lozenges can help you to make more saliva.

2. Avoid Trigger Foods

For many people, these are spicy and high-fat foods, chocolate, peppermint, and other mints, coffee, citrus fruits or juices, tomato products, carbonated drinks, and onions.

3. Limit Alcohol

Alcohol can relax the muscles around the lower end of the esophagus, making it easier for acid to bubble up.

4. Stay Slim

According to the study found that overweight people who lost weight were more likely to have their heartburn go away. One more reason to lose weight: You’ll respond better to heartburn medications.

5. Eat Several Small Meals During the Day

The stomach produces acid based on how much food you eat. Less food means less acid. Don’t overload your stomach.

6. Wear Loose Clothing

Try to wear loose clothing it makes you more relaxed. Tight clothing, including belts, can cause stomach contents to push upward.

Can Constant Heartburn Be Serious?

Frequent heartburn leads to more serious medical conditions. Heartburn is generally associated with burning pain in the chest or throat. Heartburn can lead to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Barrett’s Esophagus and, in a very small number of individuals, esophageal cancer.

What can we Drink to Relieve Heartburn?

Ginger naturally calms the stomach and can help to reduce the production of stomach acid. Caffeine-free ginger tea, with a little honey added as a sweetener, is the best way to consume ginger tea for a person with reflux.

Conclusion

Here we have discussed in the above blog Chronic Heartburn and its risk factor, tips and how to get relieved from this pain. The best way to control this via diet and some medications which are prescribed from the doctor. If the condition gets controlled through the medications but if not then surgery is the only option which is done by the experienced and professional doctor.

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