Uncomfortable Symptoms of Heartburn
Long time sufferers of heartburn will all know what to look out for when a heartburn case strikes. The first thing to be felt is as a result of the acid from the stomach, which is utilized to break down the foods we eat, travels a small way back up the esophagus , effectively burning the inside lining of soft tissue.
In such an instance, people are able to conveniently and effectively treat the problem, by using products called antacids. These are usually chewable pills or drinkable liquid which contain alkaline properties, and hence work to neutralize the acid when they come in to contact with the effected areas of the esophagus.
Antacids have been used for a number of year in the treatment of acid reflux and heartburn - and continue to be one of the top treatment options (more about treatment options in another article).
Back to the symptoms however, it is important for heartburn sufferers to realize that acid reflux is not the only symptom of heartburn. There are actually a few other things, all of which are completely painless, but which will cause discomfort after a reasonable amount of time. Let's take a look at what these are.
Secondary Symptoms of Heartburn
The most common secondary symptom of heartburn is bloating and gas in the intestinal system. If you find that you regularly pass wind an hour or two after a meal, it may be the case that you have had heartburn, without the primary symptom alerting you to the fact that you went through it. Interestingly, in a study on the general population, it was found that 90% of people who were actually medically diagnosed with heartburn knew that they had it.
That 10% who were completely unaware they had it was the result of the primary symptom missing from that particular case.
A problem with this diagnosis is of course that bloating and passing of excess wind are related to a whole lot of other issues within the digestive system and intestines themselves, meaning that people usually complain and front up with something other than heartburn - when investigated by their medical professional.
Other such causes of this secondary symptom are:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Lack of Probiotics in Intestines
- Lack of General digestive system health
