Tuesday, December 22, 2009
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Letters | Opinion | Editorial | Weekend Report |
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Ask the doctor Dear Mrs. Lee, Question: I suffer from heartburn and would like to know some tips for heartburn relief. Answer: Heartburn is a common digestive problem and has nothing to do with your heart. It occurs when small amounts of stomach acid accidentally rise up the esophagus, causing a burning pain in the chest. Sufferers often describe it as a burning pain behind the breastbone that may move up toward the neck and throat, sometimes accompanied by a bitter or acid taste in the back of the mouth. Often the burning sensation is mild, but it can also be so severe that patients think they are experiencing a heart attack. An occasional episode of acid-regurgitation or indigestion is quite normal. However, "heartburn" that occurs twice a week or more could be a sign of a more serious reflux illness requiring a medical evaluation. The acidic contents of the stomach can erode the lining of the esophagus, aggravate asthma symptoms or cause a chronic cough, sore throat or laryngitis. The danger is that, if left untreated reflux disease can lead to esophageal cancer. The first lines of defense in treating heartburn are diet and lifestyle changes. It is widely acknowledged that heartburn symptoms are aggravated by extra pounds, which puts pressure on the stomach and relaxes the esophagus. Eating large meals also puts pressure on the stomach and causes a rise in the production of stomach acid. Some foods are thought to relax the lower part of the esophagus, allowing acidic stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. They include chocolate, peppermint, coffee, and alcohol. Other foods that are bothersome to some patients include carbonated drinks, garlic, onions, tomato-based foods, spicy foods, and fatty foods. Specific foods that bother one person may not bother another person. The key is to find out what aggravates your heartburn and avoid it. Research suggests the following strategies to avoid heartburn:
1) Maintain a healthy weight 2) Avoid big meals. Opt for 4 – 6 small meals or snacks. 3) Don't eat within three hours of bedtime 4) Use blocks to raise the head of your bed six inches. Propping your head with pillows won't last all night. 5) Sleep on your left side to promote stomach emptying 6) Exercise regularly 7) Eat fewer fatty and fried foods 8) Eat high-fiber foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables,dried beans and peas 9) Avoid salty foods 10) Avoid your trigger foods. Keep a food journal to identify them 11) Try over-the-counter relief such as antacids (eg. Maalox, Rolaids, Mylanta) or Histamine 2 (H2) blockers (eg Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB, Zantac 75). 12) Have a doctor evaluate you if you have heartburn more than once or twice per week. Julia Lee, RD Registered Dietitian Tel: 242-302-4641
Do you have a medical question that needs answering? We would love to hear from you. Send us your question and look out for the next "Ask the Doctor" column. You can send your question via email to askthedoctor@doctorshosp.com, or to Doctors Hospital P.O. Box N 3018, Nassau, Bahamas or The Nassau Guardian. This informative column is intended to educate the community about important issues regarding their health and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with a primary physician. For more information or for physician referral, please call 302-4707.
Monday, November 23, 2009 |
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