Chronic condition:
Heartburn is said to have attained a chronic condition when the esophageal sphincter is damaged. If you get heartburn often, the esophageal wall, which cannot withstand the concentration of gastric secretions, may become severely damaged. The function of the esophagus is to control the flow of gastric juices, and due to the concentration of the secretions, the valves become more fragile. A damaged valve would not be able to control the backflow of the acids from the stomach to the esophagus, and if this happens often, the damage to the esophageal lining may become irreparable, or might be difficult to repair.
Symptoms:
Heartburn normally occurs only at certain times when there is a specific cause, but if your esophagus is damaged leading to chronic heartburn, then the effect can be felt more often. Whenever you eat, the chances of you getting heartburn are greater. Only by proper treatment can this defect be overcome. Chronic heartburn can also lead to many breathing troubles and even asthma. You also become more vulnerable to a lot of other ailments related to digestion and respiration. Problems in digestion can lead to obesity. You will frequently get sore throats and bitterness in your mouth. The pain in the chest region can spread all over the body, causing irritation. These are all possible symptoms of chronic heartburn.
Treatment:
Treatment for heartburn is possible with some homemade products and also with some simple medications. When the condition gets worse and becomes chronic heartburn, it will not be as easy to treat, and the best way to get rid of it will be through advanced surgery to repair the damaged esophageal sphincter. You will also be prescribed some medications such as antacids, acid blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. These medications have been proven effective in treating chronic heartburn. Remember to always consult a health professional for medical advice.
Prevention:
It is better to prevent chronic heartburn rather than to treat it. By making some simple changes in your lifestyle heartburn can be cured, but for a chronic condition, some preventive measures are part of the treatment, and so are considered compulsory. Eat smaller food portions, albeit more frequently, instead of a large heavy meal, and eat at least two to three hours before going to bed. It is also important to stop the consumption of drugs and all alcoholic drinks, as well as minimize food products that are known to trigger heartburn.
