Understanding the Causes of Heartburn and Shortness of Breath

One of the causes that often makes a person heartburn and shortness of breath is a stomach acid disorder called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This disease occurs when stomach acid rises to the esophagus (esophagus), causing your heartburn to hurt. GERD can also increase the risk of breathing difficulties such as bronchospasm or narrowing of the walls of the bronchial airways, and aspiration, ie the entry of food into the respiratory tract or choking. Shortness of breath can result in life-threatening respiratory complications. Even so, there are actually several types of health problems that can cause complaints of heartburn, accompanied by shortness of breath.

Various Causes of Heartburn and Shortness of Breath

In addition to GERD, there are several conditions that can cause heartburn and shortness of breath, including the following:

• Dyspepsia Syndrome

Dyspepsia syndrome, influenced by digestive disorders caused by increased production of stomach acid. This condition can be influenced by a variety of things, ranging from food intake or drinks consumed, to psychological factors. This condition often causes heartburn, so it is known as heartburn complaints.

• Gastritis

If people with dyspepsia syndrome are found inflammation of the stomach surface through gastric endoscopy, then the condition is known as gastritis. Gastritis can be affected by the presence of H. pylori bacterial infection and the side effects of taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Gastritis can occur acute and or chronic which lasts for years, followed by symptoms of pain or discomfort in the chest and nausea.

• Drinking excessive alcohol

Drinking excessive alcohol at one time is very dangerous, especially if it is done in the long run. Because it can cause inflammation of your stomach wall (gastritis), which in a short time the inflammation can be injured and cause bleeding. Drinking too much can also cause conditions such as pancreatitis, and liver disease.

• Pregnancy

Pregnant women can feel heartburn and shortness of breath. Because there are hormonal changes that make the esophagus (esophagus) muscles relax more often. This triggers stomach acid to rise, especially when you are lying down or after you have a big meal. Although in certain conditions, this complaint can also indicate a more severe condition in pregnant women, namely preeclampsia. If preeclampsia occurs, there will be an increase in blood pressure, accompanied by the release of protein through urine, which can be known through a doctor's examination.

How to Overcome and Prevent Heartburn and Shortness of Breath

Management of heartburn depends on the underlying cause. If heartburn is caused by overeating, you can rest and apply a good diet. However, if you have heartburn and shortness of breath caused by certain health conditions, such as dyspepsia syndrome, gastritis, or GERD, then you should visit a doctor to be given a safe and appropriate medication. It is likely that you will be given treatment aimed at controlling stomach acid production, neutralizing stomach acid, and protecting the stomach lining. What also needs to be considered in the treatment of heartburn and shortness of breath is to avoid using natural medicines without a doctor's recommendation. In addition, it is also important for you to know how to prevent heartburn and shortness of breath, including:

• Maintain ideal body weight with a healthy diet.
• Identify what triggers the onset of heartburn and shortness of breath, such as foods that you might consume, and avoid as much as possible.
• Stop smoking and consuming alcoholic drinks.
• Eat small portions of food, with more frequent frequency.
• Don't eat food too close to bedtime, at least stop eating 2-3 hours before bedtime.
• Limit consumption of tea, coffee and soft drinks.
• Prop up the upper back to the head with a few pillows (no need to be too high), so that it is higher than the body position when sleeping. To prevent stomach acid from rising again.
• Avoid wearing belts and clothes that are too tight.

We recommend that you adopt a healthy lifestyle as a step to prevent heartburn and shortness of breath. Do not hesitate to visit a doctor if you experience heartburn, especially with shortness of breath. In order to be given immediate treatment, and prevent conditions from developing to become more severe.