Heartburn in Men
Heartburn or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a medical condition related to the digestive system. Symptoms of heartburn in different people can be brought by different causes. However, there are some symptoms that are common to most people and it is the rise of the stomach acid back to the esophagus. Acid reflux happens when the muscles in the proximity of the entryway in the stomach tend to relax, thus, resulting to reverse flow of what was eaten including some digestive acids and enzymes back to the esophagus. Let us find out the causes and treatment of heartburn symptoms in men.
The most common reason for heartburn is diet. Too much caffeine like coffee and chocolate, fried and fatty foods and other acidic foods increase the risk of heartburn. Some other causes of heartburn in men are eating a lot of citrus fruits, excessive consumption of alcohol, sleeping or lying down after eating and excess weight or obesity.
Acid reflux symptoms in men may vary but most people experience the same common heart burn symptoms. Some of the heart burn symptoms are flaring sensation in the throat or sour, warm, acidic or salty-tasting liquid rises in the throat, problems in swallowing and feeling of food getting stuck while going down the chest or throat. Other symptoms of heartburn includes pain in chest while eating, lying down or bending and irritating feeling in the chest at the back of the breastbone and occurs after eating and lasts for some time. If untreated, heartburn can lead to serious problems like chronic cough, sore throat, chronic hoarseness and asthma.
Contrary to the known belief, milk is not recommended treatment for heartburn. It may give immediate relief as it goes down the esophagus, but it contains protein and calcium that stimulates acid production in the stomach. Over the counter drugs such as antacids can be taken to neutralize the stomach acid.
One can prevent getting heartburn by avoiding food and drinks that are high in caffeine, foods that are excessively cold or hot, eating slowly, losing weight and avoiding stress.
Telling your doctor the symptoms are enough for him to diagnose heartburn. Yet, your doctor may also suggest that you undergo special tests to know the severity of the problem and to provide and monitor your treatment.