Burning sensation behind the sternum is called heartburn. This unpleasant sign, often found in medical practice, is the most popular complaint of patients at a gastroenterologist with a diagnosis of pancreatitis. Rarely burning behind the sternum is the only sign that causes the discomfort of the patient with inflammation of the pancreas. As a rule, belching joins him, and sometimes aching epigastric pain.
What causes heartburn
The mechanism of burning sensation in the epigastric region is associated with dysfunction of the cardiac sphincter separating the stomach and esophagus. As a result of the disruption of the valve, the acidic contents of the stomach get on the mucous membrane of the esophagus, irritating it, thereby causing heartburn.
Doctors unanimously believe that chronic inflammation in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract( gastritis, stomach ulcer) and the biliary system( inflammation of the pancreas on the background of cholelithiasis) play a major role in the occurrence of heartburn.
The main mechanism that causes blister pancreatitis is the casting of bile into the pancreatic ducts, where it enters into interactions with bacteria and enzymes. As a result, the release of bile acids and the activation of enzymes in the ducts of the body. The pancreatic parenchyma is affected, the protective barrier is damaged, pancreatic reflux develops, which explains that heartburn is one of the most common symptoms in pancreatitis.
Treating heartburn with pancreatitis
One of the most proven ways to treat heartburn with pancreatitis is to support the digestive system and pancreas, in particular, by medication. The most popular medicines:
- Famotidine;
- Ranitidine;
- Omeprazole.
Such drugs are able to gradually and methodically reduce the level of acidity in the stomach, thereby preventing the occurrence of systematic heartburn.
If you want to get rid of an unpleasant symptom locally, then in this case, you should pay attention to such drugs:
- Renni;
- Maalox;
- Almagel.
In any case, the use of medications requires a doctor's recommendation and his constant observation. Self-treatment, both heartburn and pancreatitis itself, can lead to poor health.