Heartburn

What is heartburn?

Have you ever felt a burning pain in your chest after eating a heavy meal, spicy food, or drinking a fizzy drink? That burning sensation, sometimes accompanied by a sour taste in your mouth, is what we call heartburn. It happens when acid from the stomach moves up into the food pipe (esophagus). Many Africans experience this condition, especially after eating local dishes that are high in oil, pepper, or acidic content like kenkey, fufu with palm nut soup, or fried foods.

How common is heartburn in Africa?

Heartburn is a widespread issue in Africa, but many people ignore it or treat it with home remedies. Studies show that 20-30% of Africans experience frequent heartburn, often linked to dietary habits, obesity, and increasing cases of acid reflux disease (GERD). In cities where fast food is popular, more people report suffering from persistent heartburn. Pregnant women, overweight individuals, and people who frequently eat late at night are more likely to suffer from it.

How does heartburn feel?

Heartburn is not just an ordinary discomfort. It can feel like:

  • A burning pain in your chest, just behind the breastbone.
  • A sour or bitter taste in your throat or mouth.
  • Pain that gets worse when you lie down or bend over.
  • Difficulty swallowing food.
  • A persistent cough or hoarseness.

If these symptoms occur frequently, it may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a more serious condition that requires medical attention.

What causes heartburn?

Heartburn occurs when the stomach acid flows back into the food pipe. This happens due to several factors, including:

Food choices

Certain foods can trigger heartburn, such as:

  • Spicy foods (e.g., pepper soup, suya, shito, chili sauce)
  • Oily and fried foods (e.g., fried plantains, puff-puff, akara, deep-fried chicken)
  • Citrus fruits (e.g., oranges, pineapples, lemons)
  • Carbonated drinks (e.g., soda, beer)
  • Caffeinated drinks (e.g., coffee, strong tea)
  • Alcohol and smoking

Lifestyle habits

  • Eating large meals, especially late at night.
  • Lying down immediately after eating.
  • Wearing tight clothing around the stomach.
  • Obesity or excessive weight gain.
  • High stress levels, which increase acid production.

Medical conditions

  • Pregnancy: Many pregnant women experience heartburn due to hormonal changes and pressure on the stomach.
  • Hiatal hernia: A condition where part of the stomach moves into the chest area.
  • Certain medications: Painkillers like ibuprofen, aspirin, and some blood pressure drugs can worsen heartburn.

When should you see a doctor?

Not all heartburn cases require a hospital visit, but if you experience the following, seek medical attention immediately:

  • Difficulty swallowing food.
  • Pain when swallowing.
  • Vomiting blood or noticing black stools (which could indicate internal bleeding).
  • Shortness of breath or pain radiating to the back and shoulders.
  • Sweating and dizziness along with chest pain (to rule out a heart attack).

How to prevent and manage heartburn?

If you frequently experience heartburn, consider making the following changes:

  • Eat smaller meals instead of large ones.
  • Avoid eating late at night, especially heavy or oily meals.
  • Reduce spicy, fatty, and acidic foods in your diet.
  • Drink more water instead of fizzy or caffeinated drinks.
  • Wear loose clothing to reduce pressure on your stomach.
  • Maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly.
  • Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
  • Avoid lying down immediately after eating, wait at least 2–3 hours.

What are the treatments for heartburn?

If lifestyle changes are not enough, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help relieve heartburn symptoms:

  1. Antacids: These neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief (e.g., magnesium or calcium tablets).
  2. H2 Blockers: These reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces.
  3. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These helps heal damaged tissue in the esophagus and prevent acid production.

Final word?

Heartburn is common among Africans, especially due to our rich, spicy, and oily foods. However, frequent heartburn should not be ignored. Simple lifestyle changes, proper diet, and, if necessary, medical treatment can prevent serious complications.