Heartburn after a meal indicates an improperly organized diet, and is also a symptom of a number of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Why does heartburn occur after eating?
From the point of view of physiology, the cause of heartburn after eating is getting into the esophagus the contents of the stomach, which has undergone partial digestion. Moistened with caustic gastric juice, the food irritates the mucous membrane of the esophagus, causing a burn of tissues, which causes a burning sensation and discomfort.
Provoke heartburn following factors:
- binge eating;
- unbalanced diet, predominance of fatty, fried, smoked, spicy, sweet dishes;
- food is only dry;
- bad habits (smoking and alcohol abuse);
- excessive consumption of strong tea and coffee;
- stay in a stressful situation, neurotic states;
- taking certain medications, such as aspirin;
- rest after eating in a lying position on a bed with a low headboard;
- pregnancy.
A heartburn an hour after a meal can occur due to high physical activity immediately after eating. As a rule, sour bitter taste in the mouth, burning and belching are after slopes and lifting weights.
What diseases are characteristic of heartburn?
Frequent heartburn after eating, especially if it is aggravated by pain, nausea, loss of appetite and a feeling of constant fatigue, can be a symptom of such diseases as:
- an ulcer of the stomach or duodenum;
- chronic gastritis with increased secretion of gastric juice;
- hernia of the diaphragm nut opening;
- cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder);
- duodenitis (inflammation of the duodenum);
- narrowing of the esophagus and reduction of its peristalsis;
- gastro-esophageal reflux (weakening of the lower sphincter of the esophagus).
Heartburn immediately after meals often occurs in people who have undergone surgery for the removal of the gallbladder or part of the stomach, as well as duodenal ulcers for cancer.
Attention! With stenocardia, a burning sensation appears in the chest, which is easily confused with heartburn.
In any case, frequent heartburn after eating is an occasion to seek medical advice. The gastroenterologist on the basis of the anamnesis, results of analyzes and hardware examination will reveal the reason of infringement, having appointed or nominated if necessary appropriate therapy and a diet.