Almost all of us have experienced occasional heartburn. Nobody wants to face this trouble as heartburn may become a serious health hazard. The best gastroenterologist based in Kolkata explains everything we need to know about heartburn and also the warning signs when you must visit a doctor.
What is heartburn?
When you feel burning pain or discomfort in the upper chest or in the middle of the chest, it is called heartburn. This condition also involves your throat and neck occasionally. This irritation does not let you rest as it gets worse when you lie down. Heartburn typically takes place due to overeating, intake of excessive spicy food items, extreme alcohol consumption, and wearing tight clothes, says a gastroenterologist attached with The Newtown Clinic.
The difference among heartburn, GERD, and acid reflux:
All these medical terms are used interchangeably on the basis of their meaning and severity. Acid reflux is an issue that may vary from being mild to severe. GERD is more of serious and chronic acid reflux. Heartburn is a common symptom of GERD and acid reflux, says a gastroenterologist in Kolkata.
Treatment at home: Mild heartburn-
If you suffer from mild and occasional heartburn, try to incorporate a few lifestyle changes so that you can deal with your heartburn easily. Small meals, less spicy food items in the diet, and avoiding fatty food items can help you manage your heartburn at home. Most gastroenterologists advise following these small steps to keep your digestive system in sync. Working on stress management, cutting out or quitting smoking, and working out to cut off the extra kilos help to lessen your heartburn, and these healthy choices can also bring back your digestive health. Best gastroenterologists based in Kolkata also advise wearing loose clothes, especially at night during bedtime. Keep your head raised off the bed by 4 to 6 inches; it may provide some relief to those who face trouble due to heartburn.
Signs that indicate that you need to consult a gastroenterologist:
Not always, but at times, heartburn may become a serious health condition, and it can affect your daily life in a bad manner. If you are a sufferer of the same, you must visit The Newtown Clinic and consult the best gastroenterologists in Kolkata.
The signs and symptoms that you may experience are as follows:
- If heartburn troubles you more than twice a week, you must not neglect and visit a doctor.
- If the symptoms persist even after taking over-the-counter medicines for over 2 weeks, it is a serious issue.
- If you find it difficult to swallow your food and tend to vomit, you should visit a doctor without wasting time.
- Loss of appetite and sudden weight loss also need attention.
The symptoms may also include:
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Pain or a feeling of pressure on your chest that may spread to your back, neck, shoulder, and arms
Heartburn may indicate more serious underlying conditions such as a heart attack. So, a renowned gastroenterologist in Kolkata advises not to neglect the symptoms of heartburn.