Heartburn is a burning sensation that many people can feel after eating, this sensation will start in the stomach and work its way up to the esophagus. Heartburn does not affect the heart itself but gets its name from the burning sensation that we feel in our chests when suffering from heartburn.
Heartburn can be classified in three different factors: minor or mild heartburn, moderate or normal heartburn and chronic or severe heartburn. It depends on the type of heartburn that you are suffering with the type of pain you will feel, the intensity of the pain and most of all the duration of the pain. This pain can be described as a short painful shock in our chests and stomachs or as an ongoing pain that burns our whole torso from the bottom of our stomachs to the top of our esophagus.
People suffering with a mild heartburn will normally feel the heartburn around once a month; this heartburn will only cause a minor discomfort that will only last for a short while. Antacids that are sold over the counter are normally effective enough to stop minor heartburn as does small changes in the person’s diet.
Moderate heartburn can normally occur several times a month where the sensation of discomfort is higher then those who suffer with mild heartburn. Most of the remedies are the same as those who suffer with mild heartburn but most be taken more often. People suffering with moderate heartburn should consider changing various aspects of their diet to identify what causes the heartburn.
If you suffer with chronic or severe heartburn you are likely to suffer with it on a daily basis or nearly a daily basis. Also this type of heartburn cannot be treated in the same way as the other two types of heartburns and because it is more constant. The pain is also more severe and the burning sensation in your chest will last for a lot longer. Antacids can be taken but they will not be able to relieve the pain completely and because of this it is better to speak to your doctor so he/she can provide a better medication.
As stated above, heartburn can be caused by a number of things, but in most cases it will be caused by an inappropriate diet, smoking, eating just before bed, some medications and stress. Heartburn should be treated as soon as possible by a doctor as this could be a symptom of some other condition, such as an ulcer in the person’s stomach. By speaking to the doctor the sufferer can be treated with the appropriate medication to ease the pain, burning and discomfort that heartburn causes.
While what is heartburn for many people is simply the consequences of overindulgence or food intolerances and can be managed through better eating habits, it sometimes can be a sign of other conditions or health issues. Don’t put off a visit to your doctor because you feel it’s not important enough. Your health is always of paramount importance and medical guidance is the best way to maintain good health.
Escape the distress of bad heartburn for good - 24 hour cure now available - CLICK HERE
Technorati Tags: heartburn, gerd, acid reflux, what is heartburn