Heartburn or dyspepsia is a symptom of the disease in the form of pain and heat in the stomach that occurs due to a number of conditions. These include open sores on the inner lining of the stomach (peptic ulcers), bacterial infections Helicobacter pylori, side effects of using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and stress.
Heartburn is one of the common diseases in Indonesia. According to data from several endoscopy centers in Indonesia, there are around 7000 cases of stomach ulcers that were performed endoscopy, and more than 85% were functional dyspepsia. Functional dyspepsia is an unexplained heartburn condition. In certain cases, heartburn can also be felt by pregnant women.
Stomach Pain Symptoms
Most heartburn is mild and can be treated without consulting a doctor. However, see a doctor immediately if heartburn occurs continuously or is accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Throw up
- Difficult to swallow
- Heartburn
- Weight loss for no reason.
Heartburn sufferers who are 55 years of age and over are also advised to immediately consult a doctor if the above symptoms appear. Symptoms can worsen when accompanied by stress.
Heartburn can be caused by the habit of eating too much and fast, or eating too much spicy and fatty food. Inflammation of the pancreas and intestinal obstruction, can also trigger heartburn.
Stomach Ulcer Treatment and Prevention
Mild stomach ulcers will go away on their own. Severe heartburn can be treated with medications such as antacids, antibiotics and antidepressants. The use of heartburn medications and therapies such as meditation and relaxation can also help with heartburn.
Heartburn can be prevented and treated by:
- Eat slowly, in small portions.
- Limit consumption of spicy and fatty foods.
- Cut down on caffeinated drinks.
- Avoid drugs that cause stomach pain.