Causes and Treatments for Constant Heartburn, Nausea and Indigestion

If you are experiencing constant heartburn, nausea and indigestion, you should see your doctor right away. There may be a variety of reasons why you are having this chronic discomfort. This article talks about some of the most common causes and ways your doctor may decide to treat the problem. The first thing to understand is the difference between heartburn and indigestion, as well as where nausea fits in.

Heartburn is caused by acid reflux, which means stomach acid ends up in the esophagus rather than staying in the stomach. This acid in the esophagus causes a variety of symptoms, the most common being an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest known as heartburn. In addition, you may have trouble swallowing and experience belching. The discomfort will likely increase if you lie down or bend over. This condition most always occurs shortly after eating and can last as little as a few minutes or as long as a few hours.

Indigestion, on the other hand, is a term to describe gastrointestinal discomfort caused by a dysfunctional digestive system. Symptoms of indigestion can include heartburn, bloating, cramping, nausea, and even flatulence. As you can see, heartburn can be a symptom of both acid reflux and indigestion. Another common factor of both acid reflux and indigestion is that they are often related to your diet. Many find that certain kinds of foods like spicy foods, fatty foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and even chocolate can cause their discomfort or increase the severity.

If you find that you are experiencing these problems on a chronic basis, keep a diary where you document what you're eating, when you're eating, how much you're eating, and when symptoms occur. By doing this, you can start to recognize patterns and discover if there are certain habits or foods that cause the problems or make them worse. Once you learn more about the foods and habits that lead to your uncomfortable symptoms, you can avoid them.

You should also see your doctor if you experience constant heartburn, nausea or indigestion. Be sure to take the diary you've been keeping with you. Your doctor will perform an in-depth examination and evaluation to discover the cause of your uncomfortable problems. Once the cause is understood, he or she can provide you with options for treatment. They may include dietary and lifestyle changes, over the counter medicines, or prescription drugs.

Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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