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Symptoms & Signs Index |
| Heartburn | |
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Definition: A painful burning sensation in the esophagus, just below or behind the breastbone that may radiate to the neck or throat. |
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Medical terms related to
heartburn : Pyrosis |
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Common
causes of heartburn: o Smoking and Quitting Smoking o Hiatal Hernia: protrusion of the stomach through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm; called also hiatus hernia. o Medications that can cause heartburn: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(e.g. aspirin) Calcium channel blockers ( e.g. nifedipine ) Progestin for abnormal menstrual bleeding Anticholinergics (e.g., Robinul,dicyclomine hydrochloride) Bronchodilators for asthma ( e.g. Ventolin ) Tricyclic antidepressants ( e.g. Amitryptiline) Sedatives for insomnia or anxiety (Valium ,lorazepam) Beta blockers (e.g. Propranolol, Tenormin) Antibiotics ( e.g. tetracycline, Doxycycline) Steroids (e.g. prednisone) Nitrates (e.g. isosorbide dinitrate,nitroglycerin ) Dopamine Potassium Narcotics (e.g Demerol) Vitamin C Iron supplements
Other Causes of
heartburn: |
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Call 911
or go to the hospital if heartburn
is accompanied by: o Vomiting bloody or black like coffee grounds o Black stool (like tar) or maroon o Burning sensation plus chest squeezing, crushing, or pressure |
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Call your
doctor if heartburn is
accompanied by: o Unexplained weight loss o Difficulty swallowing o Persistent, unexplained cough or wheezing o Antacids or H2 blockers worsen the heartburn o Starting a new medication |
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Diagnostic tests
that may be performed include: o Upper GI series o Esophageal motility to measure the pressure of your LES o Upper endoscopy to look at the inside lining of your esophagus and stomach |
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Prevention and
self-care: Try to avoid foods and beverages that can trigger reflux, such as: o Alcohol o Caffeine, carbonated beverages o Chocolate o Citrus fruits and juices o Tomatoes and tomato sauces o Spicy or fatty foods, full-fat dairy products o Peppermint and spearmint Also: o Eat smaller meals. o Avoid eating or lying down within 2-3 hours of bedtime. o Avoid bending over or exercising just after eating. o Lose weight if you are overweight. o Stop smoking. o Sleep with your head raised about 6 inches. o Avoid tight-fitting belts or garments around the waist. o Reduce stress. |
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Medications
for heartburn may
include: o Ranitidine (Zantac) o Famotidine (Pepcid) o Metoclopramide (Reglan) o Pantoprazole (Protonix) o Rabeprazole (Aciphex) o Cimetidine (Tagamet) o Sucralfate, Carafate o Proton-pump Inhibitors o Esomeprazole (Nexium) |
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| Diagnosis of heartburn, Reasons of heartburn, Prevention of heartburn, Definition of heartburn, Treatments for heartburn | |