Constant heartburn: what can be and what to do

The presence of constant heartburn can be a consequence of gastro-oesophageal reflux or gastritis, or due to factors such as wrong eating, nervousness or wearing very tight clothes, which end up impairing the digestion of food, besides this it is important to remember that in women, heartburn can be a symptom of pregnancy. However, if the causes are not identified, they could become a more serious problem, requiring the search for a gastroenterologist.

Regardless of the cause, treatment for constant heartburn is done with antacids to decrease stomach acidity and change in eating habits. Only in rare cases is surgery indicated to solve the problem.

The main cause of heartburn is reflux, however there are also other causes that justify this burning:

1. Reflux

In gastroesophageal reflux there is an involuntary return of the content that is in the stomach to the esophagus, causing intense discomfort because it is a very acidic content.

In reflux cases, the most common symptom is heartburn, in addition to severe pain in the chest area, similar to the pain of a heart attack or angina, dry cough and even respiratory problems such as asthma and pneumonia.

What to do: some simple measures can be taken to relieve discomfort, such as avoiding lying down right after eating, sleeping with the headboard raised, as well as taking some care with food, avoiding the consumption of coffee, alcohol, fatty foods and drinks acidic, for example. See more feeding tips and what to do to prevent reflux:

2. Hiatal hernia

Hiatal hernia is a problem that facilitates reflux and is therefore another major cause of constant heartburn. Usually hiatus hernia is more common in people who are overweight, who smoke, or who exercise excessively.

Symptoms are mild and very similar to those of reflux, including indigestion mainly when the person lies down after eating, and worsen when the person leans over, makes efforts or lifts heavy objects.

What to do: it is advisable to eat slowly and more times a day, avoid heavy meals for at least two hours before going to sleep, lie down with the headboard raised, avoid greasy foods, acids, alcohol, cigarettes, in cases of overweight or obesity is advised to lose weight. See more on how to prevent reflux caused by hiatus hernia.

3. Gastritis

Gastritis is the irritation or inflammation that occurs in the stomach caused by infections, stress, allergies, the use of some medications and changes in the immune system. Symptoms depend on the type of gastritis and may be abdominal pain and discomfort, nausea and vomiting, indigestion and feeling full even after a small meal. Here's how to identify the symptoms of gastritis.

What to do: it is recommended to reduce the consumption of foods that increase acidity in the stomach, such as spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, fatty foods or pure milk. It is also important to avoid fasting for a long time, as in these cases there is a greater accumulation of gastric acid in the stomach, which worsens inflammation. The use of medication that decreases the production of gastric juice, such as antacid for example, is also indicated.

4. Esophagitis

Esophagitis is an inflammation that occurs in the esophagus, which happens mainly due to reflux, but can also be the result of an allergic reaction to a certain food. Symptoms are very similar to those of gastritis, but in addition to these there may also be difficulties in swallowing, loss of appetite, and a feeling that the food eaten gets stuck in the throat, not completing the path to the stomach as they should.

What to do: the use of corticosteroid drugs will help to coat the esophagus and control the inflammation caused and therefore, if esophagitis is suspected, a gastroenterologist should be consulted. Some dietary adjustments should also be made, such as eliminating foods with wheat flour, milk and dairy products, seafood, nuts, eggs and soy, helping to relieve and prevent reflux symptoms, for example. In addition, it is necessary to identify the type of food that caused the allergy and remove it completely from food. See how esophagitis is treated.

5. Pregnancy

In pregnant women, heartburn can be present since the beginning of pregnancy, this because of the hormonal changes that occur and also due to the growth of the belly. With the increase in the production of the hormone progesterone, there is also, unintentionally, the relaxation of the stomach muscles causing the acids to go up into the esophagus, causing the sensation of constant heartburn.

What to do: it is recommended to eat more often, eat smaller portions more times a day, avoid drinking liquids during meals, do not lie down immediately after the meal and wear comfortable clothes. See more tips on how to relieve heartburn in pregnancy.

6. Food intolerance

Food intolerance is a difficulty for the body to digest certain ingested foods, such as lactose or gluten intolerance. Digestion is slower because the body no longer has so many enzymes responsible for degrading certain nutrients, so there is an accumulation of these nutrients in the stomach causing gastric discomforts, such as colic, nausea, diarrhea, headaches and heartburn.

It is also very common in people who have food intolerance associated symptoms such as: bloating and abdominal pain, excessive tiredness, itching or spots on the skin. Learn how to identify if it is food intolerance.

What to do: It is important to identify the type of food that is causing the intolerance, for this can be done a food diary, which records everything that was eaten and what symptoms appeared throughout the day. Once the food is identified, it is important to cut the food completely. Another way to relieve the symptoms of food intolerance is the use of enzyme drugs, which help with digestion, as is the case with lactase in lactose intolerance.

7. Use of tight clothing

The use of uncomfortable and tight clothing can cause the stomach to be pressed, this causes gastric acids to rise into the esophagus, causing reflux and heartburn.

What to do: It is interesting to opt for the use of light and comfortable clothes that do not put too much pressure on the belly area, as is the case with tights and straps.

When to go to the doctor

Constant heartburn can become more serious when its causes are not identified. In cases of more serious symptoms such as bloating and abdominal discomfort, bloody cough and severe chest pain, for example, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist who, based on more specific tests, will confirm what it is about and indicate the best treatment to follow.