Both heartburn and gas are symptoms of an underlying condition present in your stomach. It is common for any human being to experience heartburn and gas at some point. However, when the frequency of heartburn and gas increases more than thrice a week, with frequent repetitions, then it is time to visit a doctor.
Is Heartburn and Gas The Same Thing?
Heartburn and gas are not the same thing but they are symptoms caused due to different conditions. Nonetheless, in a majority of the cases, people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease show these symptoms of heartburn and gas. The symptoms fluctuate based on the age of the individual, the lifestyle, food habits, stress levels, and other factors.
For a human system to function appropriately, it requires vitamins, minerals, water, soluble and insoluble fiber, and carbohydrates at the needed levels. If anyone misses any of these, the body changes its course and starts to experience trouble in the digestive system. The troubles could be within the stomach or create a weak lower esophageal sphincter, which is acting as a boundary between the stomach and the esophagus tube.
After consuming food, the lower esophagus sphincter closes to prevent backwash of acids developed in the stomach in reaching the esophagus tube. The stomach is capable of handling the reaction because of the lining it contains, which acts as a shield against the digestive process. However, the esophagus tube possesses no such protection, making it vulnerable to the strong acidic reactions produced in the stomach.
Causes of Heartburn and Gas
The reason behind the occurrence of heartburn and gas is due to indigestion and other underlying health conditions. As explained above, if a person shows signs of acid reflux due to gastroesophageal reflux disease, it is natural for him or her to experience the heartburn sensation. In particular cases, undigested food leads to bloating and development of gas.
The other reason for causing heartburn is due to the weak lower esophageal sphincter. With such a case, the barrier has a small opening which causes the acids developed during the digestive system to escape into the esophagus tube. It is at this time that the individual experience the heartburn sensation. Many people misunderstand it for heart attack.
The following is the list that is common across all ages that cause heartburn and gas:
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Dairy products
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Citrus fruits
- Vegetables high in citrus content
- Aspirin
- Lactose intolerant
- Fried foods
- Fatty foods.
For adults, you can also add alcohol abuse, smoking, and pregnancy to be the cause of heartburn and gas.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Heartburn and Gas
It is possible to reduce or eliminate heartburn and gas by diagnosing it thoroughly. Visiting a physician will be helpful under such circumstances. Apart from explaining the symptoms, it is also important to give in-depth details on how you feel after eating a meal or a particular product. Sharing the health history of the family will also be helpful for the doctor to conclude.
After considering all these aspects, the doctor will eliminate the unwanted points and conduct the diagnosis using tests, if necessary, such as Manometry, Endoscopy, and X-ray. Based on the results, the physician will provide with medications and changes in the diet. Following it thoroughly will be helpful in overcoming heartburn and gas.
At the same time, you are also improving the health as you are avoiding the foods that are causing severe damage to the digestive system. Now that you are providing the body what it requires in appropriate levels, you can expect a speedy recovery and show positive energy at all times. Apart from depending on medicines, including exercises and providing the needed rest to the body is also of crucial importance to eliminate heartburn and gas.
