Heartburn is characterized by pain in the upper middle of the abdomen accompanied by nausea or flatulence. This condition can be caused by problems in certain organs. Although it looks mild, the treatment for heartburn still needs to be done.
The solar plexus or epigastrium is located below the breastbone and above the navel or the middle of the upper abdomen. Pain or tenderness in this area can spread to other parts of the body.
Heartburn can be caused by a mild condition, but it is often a sign of a serious health problem that needs to be treated.
Reason Heartburn Occurs
There are several causes of heartburn, including:
1. Stomach ulcer
Peptic ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach wall or part of the small intestine. This condition occurs when acids in the digestive tract damage the inner surface of the stomach or small intestine. The acid can create an open wound that is very painful.
Stomach ulcers can be caused by a bacterial infection and the use of medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, bisphosphonates, and potassium supplements.
This condition is generally characterized by several symptoms, such as:
- Pain in the pit of the stomach, especially when the stomach is empty and at night
- Feeling full, bloated, or burping
- Intolerance to fatty foods
- Nauseous
Although rare, peptic ulcers can also be characterized by vomiting blood, blood in the stool, decreased appetite, and weight loss.
2. Irritable bowel syndrome(i rritable b owel s syndrome )
In addition to pain in the pit of the stomach, this condition that attacks the large intestine also causes cramps, flatulence, farts, and changes in the frequency of bowel movements.
Irritable bowel syndrome is thought to occur when the muscles in the intestinal wall move harder and longer as food moves through the digestive tract.
In addition, there are several other factors that are thought to play a role in triggering irritable bowel syndrome, including abnormalities in the nerves in the digestive system, bacterial or viral infections, stress, or changes in gut microbes.
3. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. This condition can cause several symptoms, such as:
- Heartburn that radiates to the back and gets worse after eating
- Fever
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Changes in skin color around the navel or waist
- Stomach feels soft to the touch
Chronic pancreatitis can cause weight loss and an oily-looking stool texture.
4. Pouch disease bile
The gallbladder is a small pouch under the liver. This bag stores fluids that help the body digest fats, also known as bile.
If you have problems with your gallbladder, you will experience constant, excruciating abdominal pain which can be accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, body shaking, discolored stools, and chest pain.
Some types of gallbladder disease to watch out for are inflammation and infection of the bile, gallstones, and bile cancer.
5. Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy problem characterized by high blood pressure in pregnant women, the presence of protein in the urine, and swelling of the feet and hands.
This condition can damage the body's organs, generally the liver and kidneys.
Heartburn due to preeclampsia will be very painful if the condition is severe or accompanied by vomiting.
6. Stomach cancer
The risk of stomach cancer may increase if you have the following conditions:
- History of bacterial infection pylori in the stomach
- Gastritis or inflammation of the intestines
- Pernicious anemia, which is anemia triggered by a lack of vitamin B12
- Polyps in the stomach
- Smoking habit
- Overweight or obesity
- Consumption of foods high in salt
In addition to heartburn, stomach cancer will also make the sufferer unable to eat large portions, vomiting, and weight loss occurs.
Tips for Overcoming Heartburn
If it's not severe and only happens once or twice, heartburn can be treated easily and can be done at home. There are several ways to deal with heartburn that you can do independently at home, including:
Taking medicine
Taking antacid drugs can neutralize stomach acid while reducing pain. Take this medicine at least 1 hour after eating and before going to bed. You are also more advised to take liquid antacids rather than tablets.
However, it is better if you consult a doctor first before taking medicines or herbal supplements to treat heartburn.
Regulating diet
When experiencing heartburn, try to eat light and healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages, caffeinated, and foods that can irritate the stomach.
In addition, adjust the diet to be more regular. It is recommended that you get used to eating small portions, but more often to prevent excess stomach acid from increasing.
Immediately consult a doctor if your heartburn does not improve or even gets worse after 2 days or is accompanied by swelling of the stomach, fever, vomiting, weakness, fainting, or difficulty breathing.
The doctor will conduct an examination and provide treatment according to the cause of your heartburn.