Heartburn Research Paper

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Heartburn During Pregnancy

Heartburn is a type of pain or discomfort that can happen in the throat or chest. It is often described as a burning sensation. Heartburn is common during pregnancy because:
• A hormone (progesterone) released during pregnancy may relax the valve (lower esophageal sphincter, or LES) that separates the esophagus from the stomach. This allows stomach acid to move up into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
• The uterus gets larger and pushes up on the stomach, which pushes more acid into the esophagus. This is especially true in the later stages of pregnancy.
Heartburn usually goes away or gets better after giving birth.

CAUSES
Heartburn is caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus (reflux). Reflux …show more content…

SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition include:
• Burning pain in the chest or lower throat.
• Bitter taste in the mouth.
• Coughing.
Symptoms may get worse when you lie down or bend over. They are often worse at night.

DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed based on:
• Your medical history.
• Your symptoms.
• Blood tests to check for a certain type of bacteria associated with heartburn.
• Whether taking heartburn medicine relieves your symptoms.
• Examination of the stomach and esophagus using a tube with a light and camera on the end (endoscopy).

TREATMENT
Treatment varies depending on how severe your symptoms are. Your health care provider may recommend:
• Over-the-counter medicines (antacids or acid reducers) for mild heartburn.
• Prescription medicines to decrease stomach acid or to protect your stomach lining.
• Certain changes in your diet.
• Raising the head of your bed so that it is higher than the foot of the bed. This helps prevent stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus when you are lying down.

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Eating and drinking
• Identify foods and beverages that make your symptoms worse and avoid them. Foods and beverages that you may want to avoid …show more content…

• Chocolate and cocoa.
• Peppermint and mint flavorings.
• Garlic and onions.
• Horseradish.
• Spicy and acidic foods, including peppers, chili powder, curry powder, vinegar, hot sauces, and barbecue sauce.
• Citrus fruit juices and citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and limes.
• Tomato-based foods, such as red sauce, chili, salsa, and pizza with red sauce.
• Fried and fatty foods, such as donuts, french fries, potato chips, and high-fat dressings.
• High-fat meats, such as hot dogs and fatty cuts of red and white meats, such as rib eye steak, sausage, ham, and bacon.
• High-fat dairy items, such as whole milk, butter, and cream cheese.
• Eat small, frequent meals instead of large meals.
• Avoid drinking large amounts of liquid with your meals.
• Avoid eating meals during the 2–3 hours before bedtime.
• Avoid lying down right after you eat.
• Do not exercise right after you eat. General Instructions
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs unless your health care provider instructs you to do

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