Burning Breastbone
A Simple Guide to Understanding Your Burning Breastbone
One quarter American adults have difficulties with a burning breastbone at least once a month. This is generally attributed to heartburn, which is the most common symptom of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD for short. Read further to learn about GERD, Hiatal Hernias, and helpful remedies for burning pain in the sternum.
What Is GERD?
GERD is a condition where acid, half-digested food, and bile from the stomach back up into the esophagus. When food is being digested, strong acidic enzymes work to break down the food in the stomach. Because the stomach has a protective lining, the acid rarely causes any pain. The esophagus, however, does not have a protective coating, and so when enzymes and stomach acid make contact with the esophagus, irritation, pain, inflammation and additional symptoms may transpire.
What Causes GERD?
There is no singular cause for GERD. It occurs when the normal defenses of the esophagus get overwhelmed by acid reflux. There are several attributing factors to be aware of, however.
A faulty Lower Esophageal Sphincter, or LES, is one of the main trigger for GERD, leading to a burning breastbone. The LES protects the esophagus by acting as a one-way valve that shuts off automatically after food passes through it. In individuals with a weakened or abnormal LES, the LES does not close off properly when eating, allowing for food and digestive acids to be reintroduced into the esophagus, often leading to the heartburn-like symptoms of GERD.
A Hiatal Hernia may also be responsible for GERD in the following ways. Hiatal hernias occur when the higher section of the stomach is able to move upwards into the chest through a small opening in the diaphragm. Since it is now believed that the opening in the diaphragm acts as an additional sphincter around the lower end of the esophagus, studies have shown that hiatal hernia can result in an added retention of enzymes and acids this opening, refluxing easily into the esophagus.
Hiatal Hernias can be caused by many things that result in increased abdominal pressure. Intensive coughing, vomiting, seizures, and sudden physical exertion can all lead to it. Other factors include pregnancy and an unhealthy diet and exercise plan that leads to obesity. Age also can play a factor, as many healthy senior citizens have a small Hiatal Hernia. Although generally attributed to people in middle age, anyone can develop a Hiatal Hernia
Many dietary and lifestyle choices also prove to be contributing factors of GERD. Coffee, alcohol, fried food, mint, and even chocolate can have a weakening effect on the LES which will then cause reflux. Pregnancy and obesity are also causes, but one of the most common causes is smoking, which can relax the LES.
What Should I Do About My Hiatal Hernia?
If you believe your burning breastbone is the result of a Hiatal Hernia, then it is wise to speak to a physician. Although treatment is not usually necessary, it may become so if the hernia is at risk for cutting off blood supply or if the GERD is severe enough. It is possible that a physician will need to reduce the size of the hernia via surgery.
How Can I Control the Burning?
There are several things that can be done to help minimize the pain related to a burning breastbone. Quitting smoking is one of the most beneficial things that can be done, and will contribute to an overall well-being. Avoiding certain foods is also helpful. Foods full of citric acid, such as fruit juices and tomatoes, should generally be avoided if they prove to add to the heartburn.
Taking an antacid tablet as directed can be very effective in dulling down heartburn and GERD-related pain. After eating, avoid lying down for 2 or three hours. This makes it more difficult for the acid to travel up to the esophagus. In addition to this, many people have found that raising the head of their bed up by half a foot has helped as well.
What Do I Do If the Pain Continues?
If following the above guidelines does not help with the pain, it is important to speak to a physician. Additional diagnostic tests may be needed to determine what is going on to cause the chronic heartburn. Many doctors will order an upper GI and an endoscopy. These will allow them to cancel out other causes of the pain, and get an in-depth look at the esophagus.