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Your Symptoms

Heartburn

Heartburn is the burning feeling between the stomach and oesophagus and is usually experienced after eating.

 

What causes Heart Burn?

  • Eating too much or too quickly.
  • Fatty, greasy or spicy foods.
  • Too much caffeine, alcohol, chocolate or carbonated drinks.
  • Taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
  • Stress or anxiety.
  • Stomach ulcers (15 to 20% of cases).
  • Reflux (5 to 15% of cases).
  • Cancer.
  • Heart disease.
  • Disease of the digestive tract e.g. Helicobacter pylori.
  • Weight Gain.

 

How is Heart Burn Diagnosed?

 

How can I treat Mild Heartburn?

  • Antacids
  • Reduce the intake of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines
  • Drink less alcohol
  • Cut down on coffee
  • Drink less fizzy drinks
  • Quit smoking
  • Avoid large meals in the evening
  • Avoid spicy foods
  • Reduce your weight if you are overweight
  • Relaxation, meditation, stress reduction

 

How would the Doctor treat more Severe Heartburn?

If your heartburn is more severe, then the underlying cause needs to be determined and treated.
The most common cause is Reflux which can be very successfully treated.

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