Heartburn is a digestive condition. It has nothing to do with a heart attack. It is caused by the weakening of the lower esophageal spincher (LES). The LES acts like a gate; it allows the food from the esophagus to enter the stomach. The weakening of the LES is caused by foods that are rich in acid. Smoking also causes it.
There are many simple causes of heartburn, however, heartburn can also be a symptom of a serious medical condition like Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as acid reflux.
GERD is a mucosal damage caused by the stomach acid coming up from the stomach to the esophagus.
GERD is a curable disease when diagnosed early. It can be cured by medications like Proton pump inhibitors- they are effective in reducing gastric and acid secretion. H2 receptor blockers- they can reduce gastric secretion of acid. Prokinetics- they strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and speed up gastric emptying. These are just some of the medications for acid reflux symptoms, consult your doctor for the right medications that you need.
In some cases, GERD can be very serious that surgery is already needed.
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