Always heartburn pain in the stomach and throat

If it hurts in the stomach and throat, heartburn may be the cause

03/12/2014

The Christmas season is coming up again. Numerous Advent and Christmas celebrations are celebrated with hearty meals and not infrequently lead to heartburn in the episode: stomach depressions, burning from the upper abdomen to the neck, belching, nausea and vomiting are the usual symptoms. In this article, we highlight the possibilities of preventing heartburn from occurring and how existing medical conditions can be treated.

However, there is cause for concern only if the symptoms occur regularly. "Occasional heartburn is not bad. It becomes worrying as soon as someone suffers more than one month once or twice a week, "says Professor Stephan Miehlke of the German Society for Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases. In such a case, he advises to see the doctor. Because in the long term, heartburn can lead to esophagitis (reflux esophagitis), which may ultimately promote esophageal cancer. In addition, the heartburn may permanently manifest outside the esophagus, z. In chronic cough, bronchial asthma or dental erosions (extra esophageal manifestations).

Hyperacidity of the stomach attacks the mucous membrane
The cause of the so-called reflux disease, is a mixture of food debris and gastric acid attack the mucous membranes and flow back into the esophagus (reflux, therefore reflux disease). As a rule, the cardia ensures the completion of the stomach and thus prevents the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. "If this mechanism is impaired in its function, it can lead to the reflux of stomach contents," explains surgeon Bernd Ablaßmaier, chief physician of the Reflux Center Munich. This area does not work as usual, this can have different causes.

Heavy stress, an excess of alcohol and nicotine or medications that relax the muscles. "Often the triggers are heavy, fatty meals. They lead to increased stomach pressure and increased acid production, which overloads the cardia and makes reflux possible, "says Ablaßmaier. But also caused by obesity or pregnancy increased pressure in the abdominal cavity comes as a cause in question.

And naturopath Jeanette Vinals-Stein says: "Heartburns are often plagued by nervous, ambitious people who mostly work sitting down and are mentally active. They are considered irritable and choleric in their environment. In order to sustain the high workload, these strained people tend to use stimulants. Coffee, cigarettes, alcohol and headache tablets. These are designed to eliminate fatigue and tension, but ultimately aggravate their complaints, which includes frequent heartburn. "

Organic causes: diaphragmatic break as a trigger
In addition to the causes mentioned above are still organic suffering as a trigger into consideration. Thus, congenital defects, muscle weakness, gastric diseases and a diaphragmatic fracture may favor reflux: "The transition from the esophagus to the stomach runs through the diaphragm. If the point of entry is widened, this is called a break, "explains Dagmar Mainz from the Professional Association of Gastroenterologists.

In any case, permanent acid reflux should be treated: "In the longer term, acidity can severely damage the mucosa, causing inflammation, painful wounds, and skin growth that narrow the esophagus, making swallowing difficult," explains Professor Miehlke.

Natural remedies help in most cases
Which therapeutic steps have to be initiated in case of reflux depends on the severity of the disease. In earlier stages, in which no mucosal changes can be detected, the symptoms can often be alleviated already by the conversion of the diet as well as the change of certain life habits. Here the diet with basic foods is recommended. If this is insufficient or if there is already damage to the mucous membrane, medicines are usually used for treatment. Here, "proton pump inhibitors" (PPI, also called "proton pump inhibitors") such as omeprazole or pantoprazole, which act as "gastric protection" by suppressing the formation of gastric acid in the gastric parietal cells, are normally used. "These are drugs that block gastric acid production by inhibiting the cells responsible for them - the proton pumps -" explains Miehlke.

In rare cases surgery may be necessary to restore the function of the lower oesophageal obstruction: the reconstruction of the cardia. In the end, it is important to weigh up individually which type of treatment is suitable for the individual patient.

However, home remedies or natural remedies are usually enough. Fennel, lemon balm, plantain and stinging nettle are particularly good in addition to chamomile, as well as valerian in the form of a tea or drops can be very beneficial in stress-related heartburn. In order to reduce stress caused by stress or to learn a healthier way of dealing with pressure and tension, are also various exercises and procedures for stress relief such as yoga, meditation or autogenic training. Acupuncture can also dramatically reduce the symptoms of heartburn, as well as Schuessler salts, whereby the salt number 9 (sodium phosphoricum) has proved to be the most effective in ascending acids.

Old home remedy Bullrich salt
And last but not least helps in many cases, the so-called "Bullrich salt", which neutralized by the natural ingredient sodium bicarbonate excess stomach acid and thereby gently relieve acute burning pain. Ultimately, it is about determining which therapy is indicated in each case. (Jp)