 HEARTBURN, GASTRITIS, ESOPHAGEAL REFLUX, HIATAL HERNIA -
Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest near the heart, sometimes mistaken for a heart attack.
Heartburn actually has nothing to do with the heart, but results when stomach acid enters the esophagus.
Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining, can produce indigestion, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Esophageal reflux is a digestive complaint resulting when acid escapes from the stomach into the esophagus.
Hiatal hernia results when the esophagus becomes herniated, or pushed out, usually from eating something large and hard to swallow. A common offender is the popular antibiotic Vibramycin (doxycycline), a large pill that can injure the esophagus.
WARNING! A heart attack can also be mistaken for heartburn. You should call your doctor if you experience heartburn symptoms along with shortness of breath, problems swallowing, sweating, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, bloody stools, or severe abdominal pain.
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT - Faced with evidence that ulcers are caused by the bacterium H. pylori and are curable with antibiotics, manufacturers of the H2-blockers (Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid, and the like), are now promoting their drugs for symptomatic relief of gastritis and other less serious stomach complaints. They work by blocking the flow of stomach acid. The problem with using these drugs for gastric distress is that this symptom is often caused by insufficient stomach acid. In those cases, they are merely augmenting the condition. New research indicates that H. pylori can be responsible not only for ulcers, but for gastritis that doesn't reach the ulcer stage.
For many people, heartburn is aggravated by carbohydrates and soft drinks. Some people have reported their heartburn resolved on an Atkins-type diet, high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Another useful suggestion is to wear looser jeans, as tight pants are thought to contribute to heartburn by forcing acid into the esophagus.
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