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Help!
I suffer from constant heartburn, even after eating small meals.
What could be causing this and how can I relieve it?
Heartburn is a symptom, not a disease, and it affects approximately 15% of the global population.
The esophagus, a muscular tube that carries food to the stomach, is lined with a mucous membrane that can become inflamed, leading to heartburn.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing inflammation and heartburn.
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a ring-like muscle that separates the esophagus and stomach; when it relaxes abnormally, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
The esophagus has a natural barrier called the esophageal mucosal barrier, which protects it from acid damage, but repeated exposure to stomach acid can break down this barrier.
Heartburn can be triggered by certain foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy foods, and fatty or fried foods.
Lifestyle factors, like being overweight, smoking, and wearing tight clothing, can increase the risk of heartburn.
Hiatal hernia, a condition in which the stomach bulges up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm, can cause heartburn.
Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and painkillers, can relax the LES and cause heartburn.
Stress can exacerbate heartburn symptoms by increasing the production of stomach acid.
The stomach produces approximately 2 liters of stomach acid per day, which can flow back into the esophagus and cause heartburn.
The esophagus has a natural peristaltic movement that helps push food down into the stomach, but in people with GERD, this movement can be impaired.
Heartburn symptoms can be worsened by lying down after eating, eating close to bedtime, and consuming large meals.
A study found that 70% of people with heartburn symptoms also experience nocturnal acid reflux, which can disrupt sleep.
The pH level of stomach acid is around 2, which is highly acidic, and can cause damage to the esophageal mucosa.
The process of digestion involves the breakdown of proteins into amino acids, and this process can produce gas, which can put pressure on the LES and cause heartburn.
Esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus, can cause heartburn and is often caused by GERD.
Barrett's esophagus, a condition characterized by abnormal cell growth in the esophagus, can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
A study found that people with GERD have a higher risk of developing Barrett's esophagus.
Heartburn can be a symptom of other underlying conditions, such as acid reflux, peptic ulcers, and gallstones.
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