BURNING IN CHEST ---IS IT HEARTBURN?                                                    ---- Dr. Karishma Mane   A burning pain in middle of the chest (retrosternal) or at times pain in upper part of the abdomen that travels to the throat is in medical terms called HEARTBURN. It is worse after meals, on lying down and last for a couple of hours. At times, felt as a sharp or pressing pain, which can be unbearable. HEARTBURN is a symptom of a condition known as G.E.R.D. (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease). It is caused due to reflux of acidic contents of the stomach backwards into the esophagus. The acidic nature of the stomach's digestive juices damages the lining of the food pipe (esophagus). Other symptoms include ---Regurgitation of   stomach contents into the throat or mouth, Waterbrash, Bad taste in the mouth etc. At the lower end of the esophagus is a sphincter (a muscular gateway that opens and closes to allow a one way flow of food from esophagus to stomach). Normally the sphincter remains contracted to prevent backward flow of stomach contents into esophagus but when it becomes relaxed or weak due to any cause it results in flow of contents back into the esophagus causing damage. FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO G.E.R.D------ --Stress --Dietary Habits ---Excess of fatty, fried, spicy food,eating large meals, chocolates, caffeine  etc. --Intake of alcohol, smoking, poor posture after meals --Drugs --Obesity leading to hiatus hernia. These factors lead to ---Abnormal functioning of esophageal sphincter, either weak contractions or abnormal relaxations. --Delayed emptying of stomach.     TREATMENT---------------------- LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION is easier said than done. It does not mean giving up all that you like and living on boiled food. It does not mean giving up your lifestyle and living like a sadhu. LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION stands for adapting a change with willingness and not due to pressure. It is about enjoying life without harming our body. Moderation is the key. Practically speaking it means--- --Eating small meals frequently. Avoid making lunch and dinner the only two meals in a day. Have a breakfast every morning and something in the evening. Never skip meals. --Eat at least 2-3 hrs before bedtime. Helps stomach to empty before the person lies down. If you come back late from office eat a small dinner .Eat something that is not heavy and easy to digest. --A walk after meals not a brisk one a leisure stroll both after lunch and dinner helps as if you slouch in your seat immediately after lunch or lie down immediately after dinner it can cause reflux. --If you attend a party, think before you serve yourself at the buffet take in more of salads and only small serving of the most tempting dishes on the menu. --Give up smoking and avoid alcohol. --Fruits are a healthy snack option. If you cannot resist temptation, while consuming something spicy or fried eat only to taste it not to fill your stomach with it. --Everyone has stress. Discover your own stress-busting activity. It could be anything but something that relaxes the mind and brings a smile on the face.  ROLE OF HOMEOPATHY IN G.E.R.D.--- Homeopathy has medicines that help in G.E.R.D. It can relieve the symptoms of heartburn. Homeopathy can definitely treat stress.

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