Heart Burn (Water Brash)
HEARTBURN OR WATER BRASH is defined as a subjective sensation of warmth or burning located behind the sternum or high in the abdomen with radiation upwards.
Heart burn is usually related to meals and posture and can often be relieved by remedies for indigestion. Most people suffer from heart burn at one time or another during their lifetime.
Heartburn is mostly associated with a heavy meal, with stooping or bending or when a person is supine. It may be accompanied by the spontaneous appearance of fluid In the mouth, which may be salty (water brash) or sour (gastric contents) or bitter (bilious). Heartburn may follow alcohol consumption, citrus fruits or juices, drugs like aspirin, chewing gum.
Sometimes the pain caused by heart burn can also be felt in the mid-line of the back. Certain diseases of the digestive system like peptic ulcer, gastritis, inflammation of esophagus also cause heartburn.
What are the Symptoms of Heart Burn?
The main symptoms are: burning sensation in the center of the chest and belching.
What Causes Heart Burn?
Heart burn is caused by a faulty muscle in the stomach. There is a "flap" at the top of the stomach that stops food from traveling back up into the esophagus. Sometimes the flap doesn't work properly and stomach acid escapes from the stomach. When the acid escapes, heartburn occurs.
How is Heart Burn Treated?
Heart burn can be treated by antacids or medication provided by your doctor.
Complications of Heart Burn?
If heart burn is not controlled, it can cause serious complications. Some common complications of heart burn are:
- esophagitis
- esophageal bleeding
- esophageal ulcer
- Barrett's esophagus
- strictures
- increased risk of esophageal cancer
Management
1. Use of antacid tablets or syrups.
2. Chilled milk.
3. Take stock of drinking habits.
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