pyrosis

pyrosis /py·ro·sis/ (pi-ro´sis) heartburn.

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py·ro·sis (p-rss)

n.

See heartburn.

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pyrosis.

See heartburn.

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heartburn [hahrt´burn]

a burning sensation in the esophagus, or below the sternum in the region of the heart, one of the common symptoms of indigestion. Called also pyrosis.

Heartburn often occurs when there is distention of a part of the esophagus, particularly the lower part. This may happen with gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation by the stomach of part of its contents upward into the esophagus). Since this matter is acidic, it acts as an irritant, producing discomfort or pain.

Excessive acidity (hyperacidity) is thought to be a cause of heartburn, occurring when the stomach secretes an excessive amount of hydrochloric acid. Recent evidence, however, indicates that hyperacidity in itself may not be the actual cause, and that heartburn results from excessive gastric secretions only when there is improper eating so that reflux takes place.

The functions of the stomach, both those of motion and secretion, are controlled by the vagus nerve, one of the cranial nerves. Emotional stress can stimulate this nerve, which in turn starts the churning of the stomach and the flow of the various gastric juices; it can also cause contraction and spasm of the pylorus. If some of the stomach contents are displaced into the esophagus during this nervous activity, heartburn may result. Other causes include gastroesophageal reflux accompanying hiatal hernia, stooping or bending after a large meal, and the ingestion of certain foods and drugs, such as alcohol and aspirin.

Treatment of heartburn is aimed at determining its underlying cause. Antacids may be used to relieve the symptoms but they will not cure heartburn and should not be used indiscriminately. Antacid therapy is the key maneuver along with instituting small meal size and elevation of the head of the bed to prevent reflux.

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Patient discussion about pyrosis.

Q. How to get rid of a heart burn? Help! I have constant heart burn, how to make it go away?

A. try a glass of water with a teaspoon of baking soda.instant relief.

Q. What Are the Symptoms of Esophagitis? I have a sore throat and a heartburn for a long time. Could this be Esophagitis?

A. Some of the symptoms of esophagitis are:
Difficult and/or painful swallowing
Heartburn
Mouth sores
A feeling of something of being stuck in the throat
Nausea
Vomiting
Since you have some of these symptoms, I suggest that you should go see your Doctor as soon as possible.

Q. Stomach ulcer or bad heartburn? hi. i am not sure if this is just heartburn or maybe i have an ulcer. for the last 7 months i have been getting really severe pains in my stomach (between my chest and my belly button). my upper back gets sharp pains and my stomach bloats out like I’m 8 months pregnant!!!. i have tried to take antacids for this but nothing works. i don’t know what else to do. it scares me sometimes because i have no idea what it is. My mom thinks it could be an ulcer. the pain lasts for a good 4 to 5 hours and i cant even sit down because the pain hurts so bad. can anyone tell me what this might be?????

A. After 7 months with an ulcer you’d be vomiting blood and may have blood in your feces. Anti acid would have helped. So what you say doesn’t sound anything like it. I think a good idea will be going the next morning to see a Dr. – looking for a diagnosis on the web is not a very good idea. And even if you know for certain that you have an ulcer- it is curable. Why wait 7 months?