Page 61 - Biology Form Two

Biology for Secondary Schools

(v) Avoid taking very hot or very cold Symptoms of heartburn
drinks or foods. (i) A burning or irritating sensation
(vi) Visit dental clinics regularly for in the chest or throat.
dental check-ups. (ii) A sour taste in the mouth.
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Heartburn (iii) Excessive belching.
Heartburn is a burning or painful (iv) Difficult swallowing.
sensation in the oesophagus caused (v) Hoarseness or loss of voice.
by reflux of the stomach contents. The
hydrochloric acid in the stomach makes Prevention and control of heartburn
these contents acidic and irritating to (i) Minimise intake of foods that can
the oesophagus. This causes a burning cause heartburn such as too much
or painful sensation in the oesophagus, fatty or too much sugary foods like
just below the breastbone or sternum. sweets.
(ii) Avoid alcohol, caffeine, tobacco
The stomach contents flow back into
the oesophagus because the cardiac and recreational drugs.
sphincter is not closed completely. The (iii) Avoid obesity and reduce body
incomplete closing of the sphincter weight if you are obese.
muscles may be caused by certain types (iv) Do not eat very hot or very cold foods.
of foods such as pepper, citrus fruits,
fatty foods, spicy foods, caffeine, sugary (v) Do not eat large amounts of food
foods like chocolate, and carbonated just before going to bed.
drinks such as soft drinks. Eating foods (vi) Avoid late-night meals or engaging
with too much fats causes the food to into vigorous body exercises
stay long in the stomach causing the immediately after eating food.
secretion of more acid in the stomach (vii) Avoid wearing tight clothes that
which reflux and cause irritation in the put pressure on the stomach.
oesophagus. The habit of eating food
late in the night, taking large portions (viii) Use a wedge-shaped pillow to
of food just before going to bed or raise your head while sleeping.
eating very hot or cold foods can trigger (ix) Take measures to reduce stress.
heartburn. Use of alcohol, cocaine, and (x) Drink enough water to dilute the
tobacco can also initiate heartburn. Other acid in the stomach.
causes of heartburn include pressure on
the stomach due to pregnancy, obesity, (xi) Change diet if you have a history
stress, and vigorous activity. of being affected by certain types
of food.

Student’s Book - Form Two 55

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BIOLOGY FORM 2 NEW.indd 55 05/10/2024 15:36:24
BIOLOGY FORM 2 NEW.indd 55