Can bad heartburn make you vomit?

Are you feeling nauseous lately? Do you burp like a trucker after eating a heavy meal? Well, you might be experiencing heartburn. But wait! Can heartburn cause vomiting too? This might be news to some so let’s dive into this unpleasant topic.

What is Heartburn

Before we proceed with the question at hand, let us first understand what heartburn actually is. After all, it can’t just simply mean that your heart is burning… right?

Heartburn is a painful burning sensation in the chest or abdomen caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus (the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach). This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) – a ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach – relaxes or weakens.

A LES can weaken due to several reasons such as being overweight, consuming certain foods or drinks such as alcohol and caffeine, smoking cigarettes, and taking certain medications among others.

Symptoms of Heartburn

So how would you know if what you’re experiencing is indeed bad heartburn? Listed below are some common symptoms:

• Burning sensation in chest
• Sour taste in mouth
• Belching
• Difficulty swallowing
• Regurgitation
• Nausea/vomiting

But remember folks: symptoms may vary from person to person.

Why Does Heartburn Sometimes Cause Vomiting?

Now going back to our main topic: yes, bad cases of heartburn can lead to vomiting.

This occurs when excessive amounts of gastric juice are produced and reach higher than normal levels inside our digestive system causing discomfort as well as uncontrollable regurgitation making anyone feel more uneasy than ever!

It’s comparable to water spilling out of an overfilled glass; if there’s too much acid in your stomach it’s going to inevitably find a way out even if that means through your mouth.

How is Heartburn Treated?

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it might be time for you to see a doctor. It’s better safe than sorry folks!

For those who have been diagnosed with heartburn, below are some treatments:

• Antacids – these can neutralize stomach acids providing relief for up to two hours
• Histamine H2 Blockers – decrease the production of acid in the stomach thus reducing irritation and allowing for healing!
• Proton Pump Inhibitors – these medications reduce acid by blocking cells inside our digestive system responsible for producing gastric juice.

Remember folks: these treatments will vary depending on the severity of one’s condition which only medical professionals can determine after a thorough examination.

Preventing Heartburn

There’s no need to suffer from heartburn if we prevent it from happening right? Here are tips on how not to experience this unbearable sensation:

1. Avoid foods that trigger heartburn:
Spicy food (sorry hot wings lovers)
Fatty or fried food
Chocolate (yes, unfortunately)
Citrus fruit/juice
Tomato-based products

2. Change eating habits/ Lifestyle changes:
Eating smaller meals throughout the day rather than large ones
Gently sipping on water during meals instead of gulp-guzzling
Avoid lying down right after eating
(but let’s be real here people sometimes all we want is just lay down and call it a night)

and lastly…

3. Quit smoking!

All easier said than done but hey improvement starts somewhere!

When Should You See A Doctor?

We’ve mentioned seeking help from specialists numerous times but.. when exactly should we pay them a visit?

Here are signs indicating you shouldn’t delay any further:

• Heartburn lasting more than two weeks
• Frequent vomiting
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Blood in vomit or stool

(Don’t just ignore these signs of possible dangerous complications!)

Conclusion

We understand nobody likes experiencing heartburn especially once it becomes unbearable enough to take over your life! Remember, the treatments for this ailment are lots but each should be approached differently depending on the severity of one’s case.

Prevention is always better than cure – so kick those unhealthy eating habits and stay hydrated folks!

Until next time, let other’s know that excessive burping isn’t just an amusing quirk you have… it might be a sign of something worse.