What is heartburn and how is it treated?
Sep 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xuemei
Introduction
In general, heartburn may be related to factors such as improper diet, gastritis, gastric ulcer, reflux esophagitis, and peptic ulcer. Patients are advised to receive symptomatic treatment as directed by a physician. Additionally, conditions such as cholecystitis and cholelithiasis may also contribute. If patients experience any discomfort, they should seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Under normal circumstances, heartburn may be related to improper diet, gastritis, gastric ulcer, reflux esophagitis, peptic ulcer, and other factors. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Improper Diet
Overeating or consuming irritating foods can easily cause reflux of stomach contents. When caused by non-disease factors, the symptoms typically do not persist. It is recommended to adjust dietary habits and improve unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, which can gradually alleviate or eliminate the symptoms.
2. Gastritis
Acute or chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by various factors—such as excessive gastric acid secretion and increased intragastric pressure—can lead to heartburn. Patients may take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules or domperidone tablets as directed by a physician.
3. Gastric Ulcer
Commonly associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, gastric ulcers can become irritated when excess gastric acid is secreted, leading to heartburn along with stomach pain, nausea, and other discomforts. Patients may take omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, or similar medications under medical guidance.
4. Reflux Esophagitis
This condition is primarily related to relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Reflux of gastric acid irritates the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn and nausea. Treatment may include medications like amoxicillin capsules or compound ranitidine capsules, taken under a doctor's supervision.
5. Peptic Ulcer
Peptic ulcers can also cause heartburn, often occurring between meals or at night. Patients may use medications such as colloidal bismuth pectin capsules or compound aluminum hydroxide tablets under medical supervision.
In addition, heartburn may also be associated with conditions such as cholecystitis or gallstones. If patients experience discomfort, they should seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
