People who suffer from chronic heartburn will tell you what a terrible affliction it can be. It usually starts with a few instances of acid reflux which, if left untreated, escalate into a chronic condition. You know you have reached this stage when you experience heartburn pretty much after every meal.

Heartburn is caused by a reflux of partially digested food from the stomach which contains hydrochoric acid and, in some cases, bile. This acid reflux occurs when the “gate” (the lower esophagus sphincter or LES) weakens and opens inwards, allowing material to escape from the stomach back into the esophagus.

When heartburn occurs, it is most important to immediately identify the causes and eliminate them in order to prevent its re-occurrence. However, sometimes it is just not possible to do so. If this happens, simple heartburn may quickly develop into constant and then chronic heartburn. You are suffering from chronic heartburn when there is no respite for you even when taking antacid medicines.

 

Chronic heartburn is usually diagnosed by a special test such as a barium x-ray, pH testing and determination, endoscopy and so on.  Once the tests determine that you are indeed suffering from chronic heartburn, the treatment is started immediately. This may include drugs such as H2 receptor blockers and prokinetic activators, which are powerful and focused forms of intervention.

The treatment usually has dual aims. One is to reduce and/or eliminate the symptoms and allow the person to function as normal as possible and the other is to prevent any re-occurrence after the course has been completed.

 

However the best 'cure' is, in reality, prevention – and hence all your efforts should go into preventing the chronic condition from developing in the first place.  This largely requires discipline in food habits, proper diet, exercise and possibly even less obvious methods such as meditation and/or yoga. If you are prone to heartburn, avoid fat, milk, aerated drinks, coffee and tea (with milk or without), alcohol, citrus fruits and so on – because these are specifically heartburn triggers.

 

Other than that you should ensure that you drink plenty of water and eat regular small meals rather than large ones. If you usually get up from the table feeling full, the chances are you are eating too much and will be prone to heartburn attacks. Eating habits account for more than 67 per cent of the reasons for the condition. Your eating habits can make you healthy or sick – choose wisely.