Causes and Treatment of Heartburn

By Russell Chambers 

Heartburn is a condition that requires medical attention. There are many causes of it and treatment of it includes remedies and allopathic medication as well. Heartburn is characterized by symptoms of acid reflux. In this article, we will explore the causes and treatment options for it.
Causes of Heartburn
There are several causes of it. Heartburn can result from certain foods. Alcohol, carbonated beverages, acidic juices can all be the cause of it. This can also be due to pregnancy, smoking, hiatal hernia or even primary diseases of the esophagus.
Treatment of Heartburn
As far as the treatment of it is concerned, the emphasis is on medication as well as certain lifestyle changes. Eat smaller meals and avoid eating just prior to bedtime. Avoid smoking, caffeine and stimulants. Antacids are prescribed for those with Heartburn as this can bind the acid in the stomach and coat the oesophagus. Histamine H2 antagonists are also prescribed for those with Heartburn such as Zantac or Pepcid.
Heartburn Remedies
Heartburn is not a benign condition and if not treated properly, it can lead to esophageal cancer. Therefore, several people have tried home remedies as well as allopathic medication. Some of the home Heartburn remedies are as follows:

• Baking Soda
• Licorice
• Aloe Vera
• Slippery Elm
• Calcium
• Clown's mustard plant
• German chamomile
• Greater celandine
• Angelica
• Caraway
• Lemon balm
• Milk thistle
• Peppermint

Some of the remedies include watching what you eat, how you eat and when you eat. There is a correlation between smoking and Heartburn. Therefore, those with this condition should avoid cigarettes and make sure that they lead a healthy lifestyle. Losing weight is another key step towards coping with Heartburn. Working out and exercising can also lead to an improvement. This is because exercise protects against acid reflux which is a major determinant implicated in the etiology of Heartburn.
Thus, Heartburn requires treatment and cure and there are several heartburn remedies which can benefit a person suffering from this condition. Alleviating the initial discomfort is the role of allopathic medication but lifestyle changes and home remedies can help to improve the health of the person and heal Heartburn in the long term. Before taking a remedy or supplement, the doctor should be consulted however, as some of the remedies may interact with the medicines. Hence Heartburn though not a life threatening condition, has serious long term consequences. Keeping this in mind, there needs to be some amount of perseverance in treating this problem before it flares into a major disease. Thus, the treatment for this condition should be sought immediately.

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