Reflux symptoms - Why do I feel burning in my stomach?
It burns after eating in the esophagus and throat - then a reflux disease - in the vernacular this is also called burning in the stomach - could be present. The cause of the "burning" is the reflux of gastric acid into the area above the stomach.
The gastric juice necessary for digestion is acidic (stomach acid) in order to be able to prepare and process the food appropriately. Various causes (obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, "sumptuous" meals - especially in the evening) can lead to the muscle between the stomach and esophagus no longer closing properly. The food pulp is pushed upwards with the stomach acid; this usually happens in a lying position.
This can be felt, for example, by:
- Pressure behind the breastbone
- Burning in the throat
- Acid regurgitation
- Irritation to cough
- Forced clearing of throat
- Sour taste in the mouth
Immediate measures that can help:
- Store upper body in an elevated position
- abstaining from alcohol (the digestive liquor aggravates the problem!)
Reflux is treatable with medication, a drug that initially reduces the formation of stomach acid can be taken as a supportive measure according to a doctor's prescription. In addition, however, dietary and lifestyle habits play a major role.
The following rules of conduct should be observed in the case of globus symptoms (a feeling of lumpiness in the throat) with reflux disease:
- Elevated position of the upper body
- No coffee, no alcohol, no nicotine
- No sweets
- No carbonated and acidic drinks, peppermint, sweets
- Black tea or green tea should also be avoided
- Weight control (normal weight)
- No meals after 18:00
- (Last meal about 2 hours before going to bed)
- Eat small amounts at meals (5-6/day)
- Avoid fatty, hot, spicy, highly spiced, high carbohydrate foods