Heartburn is an unpleasant burning sensation and pain in the epigastric region or along the esophagus (retrosternal). Heartburn after eating can be a symptom of gastrointestinal tract diseases or occur as a result of eating too fatty, salty or smoked foods..

Features of pathology:.

more common in women;

occurs more often in adults (over 30 years old), although there is evidence of a younger age.

The prevalence is ubiquitous.

Heartburn after eating can occur for a variety of reasons Causes of heartburn after eating The pathogenesis of the disease is a partial reflux of hydrochloric acid from the stomach into the lower esophagus. Normally, the pH of the esophagus is slightly acidic or neutral..

With frequent reflux of gastric juice, the cells of the epithelium lining the inner surface of the esophagus are destroyed with the formation of interlayers of connective tissue.

The disease develops gradually as the esophageal sphincter relaxes and deforms at the junction of the esophagus and stomach.

All causes of heartburn after eating can be divided into four main groups:.

organic;

functional;

neuropsychiatric diseases;

alimentary.

A careful diagnostic search is required to determine the underlying underlying cause of heartburn.

Organic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract This is the most extensive group of causes of heartburn attacks, which includes:.

Chronic esophagitis. This is a large group of intestinal diseases, including esophagitis associated with the use of chemicals, acids and alkalis (formation of burns), exposure to harmful vapors at work (metal salts). Long-term use of hot and spicy food, alcohol also belongs to this section.. In addition, inflammation could be associated with infectious agents (fungi - Candida albicans, viruses - cytomegalovirus, HIV, bacteria - Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterim tuberculosis). Cases of special forms of esophagitis in nonspecific ulcerative colitis have been described, but in this case, the pathology affects the lower intestines much more often..

Allergic esophagitis is a special form that develops more often in children. It does not arise as an independent disease, but as part of the body's response to increased sensitization by allergens.. Occurs in allergic conditions such as bronchial asthma.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This disease is associated with failure of the esophageal sphincter and frequent reflux of acidic contents into the lower esophagus. Heartburn is common after every meal..

Benign and malignant formations of the esophagus and surrounding organs and tissues. In rare cases, other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Especially relevant for the population over 40, suffering from osteochondrosis.

Metabolic disorders. In particular, hypovitaminosis (lack of micro- and macroelements) and tissue malnutrition.

Diverticula and esophageal stenosis. They arise as a result of numerous diseases, such as achalasia of the cardia, varicose veins of the esophagus. In this case, a person feels severe pain due to irritation of the mucous membrane with food debris, since it is difficult to pass through the esophagus into the stomach..

Diseases of the stomach and duodenum (gastritis, ulcers). In these cases, heartburn does not occur immediately, but as the underlying disease progresses..

Diseases of the gallbladder (chronic cholecystitis, gallstone disease). These pathologies are associated with impaired secretion of bile and its release into the duodenum through the Vater papilla. At the first stage, pain in the abdomen appears (hypochondrium on the right), and after some time there will be heartburn, bitterness in the mouth, belching after eating.

10. Anomalies in the development of the esophagus (hernia, shortening of the esophagus). The first symptoms appear in childhood..

eleven. Consequences of surgery on the gastrointestinal tract. In particular, the development of post-resection syndrome after gastrectomy for gastric tumors.

Consultation of a gastroenterologist, therapist or pediatrician is indicated. If necessary, a consultation of narrow specialists is appointed.

Alimentary lesions of the gastrointestinal tract The second most common group of causes, and possibly the first, since not in all cases a person seeks help. Heartburn caused by alimentary causes is characterized by:.

single occurrence;

disappearance without a trace;

short time of clinical manifestations;

direct relationship with food intake (consumption on the eve of smoked, salty, spicy);

lack of organic mucosal defects.

In this case, it is necessary to get rid of heartburn, observing the rules of a healthy diet (the predominance of plant foods, small portions, a sufficient amount of water). Diet is sufficient to relieve heartburn, but if you ignore the recommendations, heartburn becomes organic in nature, since the esophageal mucosa is deformed and ulcerated.

Functional lesions of the gastrointestinal tract Relatively small group of causes with a favorable outcome. Includes the following states:.

Pregnancy. Constant heartburn after eating accompanies almost 1/3 of all pregnant women, starting from 30 weeks. As the gestation period increases, intra-abdominal pressure increases, and the number of patients with this symptom increases..

Spasms of smooth muscles of the esophagus (cardiospasms, esophagospasms).

Conditions after surgery. The onset of a burning sensation in the esophagus occurs due to prolonged anesthesia (the action of muscle relaxants) or the setting of a gastric tube.

GERD.

For functional heartburn in the case of GERD, the Rome Criteria for Diagnosis have been established (Rome Criteria 3, 2006. ):.

a feeling of pain and discomfort behind the sternum against the background of the absence of anatomical defects in the wall of the esophagus;

defects have been absent for the last 3 months. , during the previous 6 months. research;

quick response to the introduction of proton pump inhibitors (heartburn disappears in 3-5 days).

This group has a certain difficulty in diagnosis, since heartburn does not occur constantly, it is necessary to seize the moment and send the patient for examination..

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