Reflux disease—or, as it is commonly known, heartburn —has become a widespread condition. Many people struggle with the symptom of heartburn. Studies now estimate that approximately 25% of the population in Western Europe suffers from acid reflux or heartburn at least once a month. But what exactly is gastroesophageal reflux disease, and what causes painful heartburn? An overview of heartburn provides clarity:
- Heartburn—what is it?
- Why do people get heartburn?
- Heartburn During Pregnancy
- Help with Heartburn
Heartburn—what is it?
The human stomach has an extremely acidic environment. This kills germs, but the pH level of stomach acid—between 1 and 1.5—is particularly beneficial for digestion. The stomach lining is ideally protected against these conditions. However, if small amounts of the acidic stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, the esophageal lining becomes irritated—resulting in heartburn. If the stomach contents reach the throat, this is referred to as acid reflux. Heartburn manifests as a burning and stinging sensation from the stomach up to the throat.
Heartburn should not be taken lightly, as it can lead to cellular changes in the lower part of the esophagus if it becomes a chronic condition. This can result in esophageal cancer.
Why do people get heartburn?
A ring-shaped sphincter muscle connects the esophagus and the stomach. Normally, this muscle reliably seals off the passage and prevents the reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus. There are two different causes:
- In the primary form of reflux disease, the sphincter muscle is too weak. The exact cause has not yet been fully researched, but it is believed that fatty foods, alcohol, and nicotine—as well as a very stressful daily routine—contribute to weakness in the sphincter muscle at the entrance to the stomach.
- The secondary form of reflux disease is not directly caused by a dysfunction of the sphincter muscle, but rather by other factors such as pregnancy or stomach cancer. Being overweight is also a possible trigger for the secondary form of heartburn.
Heartburn During Pregnancy
About 20% of all expectant mothers struggle with heartburn from the very beginning, and approximately 70% of all pregnant women suffer from what is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease during the third trimester. During pregnancy, a woman’s body produces the pregnancy hormone progesterone, which causes muscle relaxation. Primarily, the muscles of the uterus relax, but the sphincter muscle at the entrance to the stomach is also affected. This leads to a backflow of acidic stomach contents and the familiar burning and stinging sensations associated with heartburn.
But the growing fetus can also cause heartburn. As it grows, it puts pressure on the mother’s organs, which can lead to heartburn during pregnancy. Your midwife or OB-GYN is your first point of contact if you experience heartburn and can provide relief with practical tips and medication.
Help with Heartburn
Heartburn doesn't have to be accepted as an inevitable evil. In addition to a balanced diet and avoiding fatty foods, a healthy lifestyle free of alcohol and nicotine can reduce the symptoms of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Here are a few tips that can help if you experience heartburn frequently:
- Small meals are better than large meals
- Take small bites and chew thoroughly
- Don't drink too much with your meal; it will stretch your stomach too much.
- Reducing and Avoiding Stress and Hectic Paces in Everyday Life
- Don't lie down immediately after a meal; ideally, wait three hours first.
- Elevate Your Head While Sleeping
- Coffee, tea, chocolate, and citrus fruits are also considered triggers of heartburn
- Lose Weight
If the lining of the esophagus has already been damaged by heartburn, various medications prescribed by a doctor can help. Surgery for chronic heartburn is rare. A new sphincter is created in the upper part of the stomach, ensuring that the entrance to the stomach is securely closed again.
A Healthy Lifestyle Prevents Heartburn
A healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet can quickly help relieve heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, even after the symptoms have subsided, the patient must stick to the new diet and lifestyle; otherwise, a relapse is likely. Heartburn is therefore a symptom that signals to everyone that their lifestyle is not healthy for their body. Listen to your body, because health is our greatest asset.
