Many people come across the sensation of heartburn and gas after eating a meal. For many, the experience is after consuming a particular group of food products. In such cases, the reason is due to indigestion of that particular food.
The food passes through the mouth into the stomach through esophagus tube. The esophagus tube sits on a diaphragm consisting of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The lower esophageal sphincter acts as a valve that prevents the acids that develop in the stomach in reaching the esophagus tube.
Stomach, Acids, and Indigestion
The stomach produces acids and enzymes after consuming a meal to break it down and provide the necessary vitamins and minerals to the body. Nevertheless, people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease show a sign of indigestion, which results in acid reflux. The other possibility is due to a weak lower esophageal sphincter.
A chemical reaction occurs in the stomach during the digestive process. As the stomach has a lining that protects it from the reaction, there is no damage to it until the process is complete. However, the esophagus tube does not have any layer that acts as a shield. When there is a small opening of the LES, the acids produced in the stomach escape into the esophagus tube. These acids cause the burning sensation, called as heartburn.
A weak functionality of the digestive system also leads to the development of gas, apart from acid reflux symptoms. In such cases, a person will experience similar symptoms to that of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
What Causes Heartburn and Gas?
As you have understood the reason behind the occurrence of heartburn and gas, it is time to learn about the causes. The reasons behind these symptoms change from one individual to another. The analysis lies in the immune system of the person, health condition, age, gender, and living conditions. Considering all these factors makes it possible to point out the valid reason behind the occurrence of heartburn and gas.
The common causes of heartburn and gas include:
- Alcohol abuse
- Smoking
- Overeating
- Obesity
- Stress
- Pancreatic inflammation
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Coffee
- Aspirin
- Carbonated beverages
- Consumption of fruits containing citrus can also cause heartburn and gas
- Juices containing citrus
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Hiatal hernia
- Primary diseases such as sarcoidosis
- Pregnancy.
Diagnosis of Heartburn and Gas
Diagnosing is the first stage which makes it possible to treat both heartburn and gas with ease. There are several ways that a doctor carries out in diagnosing the situation. However, an inclusion of the tests depends on the symptoms as explained to the physician. You will have to be very transparent about the experiences that you are facing so that the doctor can eliminate other possibilities that are causing heartburn and gas.
The doctor will also ask for family history in order to get a better view of the underlying symptoms. There is also a chance that the doctor can prescribe you to undergo X-ray, endoscopy, manometry, or pH testing. They provide in-depth analysis of the situation.
What is the Treatment for Heartburn and Gas?
Based on the results of the tests, the doctor will prescribe medications along with changes in lifestyle for heartburn and gas. Lifestyle changes for eliminating heartburn and gas include eliminating foods that are causing the situation and inclusion of exercises to keep fit.
Rather than depending on medicines alone, it is also self-responsibility to avoid the occurrence of heartburn and gas. As you have understood the causes behind both the symptoms, it is time for you to make changes to your lifestyle. Ensure that you keep away from the foods that are causing heartburn and gas, include foods that improve overall health, and the digestive system to lead a healthy life.
