Emma-+Heartburn



-a painful or burning sensation in the esophagus, just below the breastbone caused by regurgitation of gastric acid -Heartburn actually has nothing to do with the heart > [|]
 * Heartburn Overview**
 * It is only called heartburn there is a burning sensation of the breastbone where the heart is located. Yet, some heart problems do have a similar feeling to heartburn.
 * Foods that may cause heartburn**
 * Sodas and other carbonated beverages
 * Chocolate
 * Citrus fruits juices
 * Tomatoes and Tomato sauces (pizza and pasta)
 * Spicy foods
 * Red Pepper
 * Peppermint and Spearmint
 * Dry foods such as peanuts[|]
 * Fatty foods such as icecream[|]
 * Garlic
 * Bread and other foods derived from Grains
 * Wine

1.If heartburn occurs when lying down raise the upper body with pillows or sleep sitting up, could provide relief. Avoid pillows that raise the head only, as this does little for heartburn and places continuous strain on the neck. 2. To minimize attacks, a sufferer may find benefit in avoidance of certain foods that relax the opening between the stomach and esophagus, such as chocolate, peppermint, and chamomile tea shortly before bedtime.
 * Ways to Prevent Heartburn:**
 * Lifestyle modifications to help control/prevent Heartburn**


 * Avoid large meals.
 * Avoid caffeine (coffee, teas, some soft drinks).
 * Avoid foods or drinks that reduce pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter such as chocolate, peppermint, caffeine-containing beverages, and fatty or fried foods.
 * Avoid foods that damage the esophagus such as spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomato sauces.
 * After eating, beware of activities that force acid back into your esophagus. Such activities include lifting, straining, coughing, and wearing tight clothing.
 * Avoid lying down within 3 hours of meals. Elevate the head of your bed when sleeping, if your heartburn is in the night. Dont just add more pillows under your head will not help. In fact, it may worsen the heartburn by increasing the pressure on your stomach, instead elevate whole upper half of body.
 * Lose weight if you are overweight.
 * Stop smoking.
 * Limit alcohol intake.
 * Antacids such as Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, or Rolaids can also be helpful. Antacids work by neutralizing acid. They should be taken 1 hour after meals or when heartburn symptoms occur.
 * Low doses of drugs that block the production of stomach acid are available over-the-counter. Including Tagament, Zantac and Pepcid[|]

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heartburn#Causes http://www.emedicinehealth.com/heartburn/page7_em.htm#Self-Care%20at%20Home