Is Your Stomach Healthy? – Heartburn

Stomach-related illnesses have been on the rise in recent times, which is a concerning issue. One major reason for this is the lack of proper information among the public. Starting today, through this series titled â€œIs Your Stomach Healthy?”, I aim to bring you information on how stomach disorders occur, how they can be prevented, and what treatments are effective.

The digestive system, commonly referred to as the stomach, starts from the esophagus (food pipe) and ends at the anus, covering nearly 30 feet in length. The esophagus, located in the chest, leads into the stomach, and a common disease affecting this area is heartburn.

According to a 2019 study, about 10% of Indias population suffers from heartburn – thats roughly 130 million people. Given how widespread this condition is, understanding it and learning how to prevent it is crucial.

How Does Heartburn Occur?

When we eat, food passes through the esophagus into the stomach. Between the esophagus and stomach is a natural valve (lower esophageal sphincter). This valve opens to allow food into the stomach and then closes to prevent anything from moving back up.

In people with heartburn, this valve remains open or doesnot close properly, allowing acid and food from the stomach to flow back up into the esophagus. This causes irritation and a burning sensation in the chest.

Just like water spills from a tilted bottle, stomach acid easily flows upward, especially when lying down, worsening the symptoms.

What Are the Effects of Heartburn?

Since the esophagus isnot designed to handle acid, it can develop sores or ulcers over time. It can also lead to narrowing of the esophagus, making swallowing difficult. If the acid reaches the throat, it can cause voice changes and other throat issues.

Can Heartburn Lead to Cancer?

A 32-year-old man recently came to me worried he might have cancer because of his persistent heartburn for 6 months. I reassured him that cancer risk increases only if the condition is neglected long-term. With proper treatment and timely action, heartburn can be managed, and cancer can be prevented.

Unfortunately, many people ignore the symptoms and suffer unnecessary mental and physical stress later.

Diagnosis

The best way to assess heartburn is through endoscopy, where a small camera is inserted into the stomach to observe the esophagus and stomach lining. Though many fear this procedure, modern endoscopy tools make it almost painless, much easier than even getting an injection.

Advanced tools also help measure the level of acid reflux precisely, allowing for targeted treatment.

Can Diet Help Control Heartburn?

Yes – in fact, diet control is more important than medication. Certain foods can worsen the condition by loosening the valve further. These include:

• Fatty and spicy foods
• Highly seasoned meals
• Coffee, tea, and cola drinks
• Alcohol and tobacco

Keeping the stomach half-full and eating meals on time helps prevent reflux. Also, avoid lying down immediately after eating. Following healthy eating and lifestyle habits can greatly reduce heartburn.

Medical Treatments

In addition to dietary changes, doctors may prescribe medications. Half the treatment comes from food discipline and the other half from proper medication. For a small number of patients, surgery may be needed to close the valve permanently. This can be done using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, which causes no pain and allows the patient to go home in a couple of days.

Our Stomach, Our Responsibility

Heartburn is mostly caused by avoidable factors like poor eating habits, stress, and obesity. With the right awareness, healthy routines, diet and exercise, we can overcome this condition.