Phrases › Describing Symptoms › Ho problemi digestivi. Sento bruciore di stomaco.

Ho problemi digestivi. Sento bruciore di stomaco.

I have digestive problems. I feel heartburn.

Pronunciation

bru-TSHO-re — three syllables, stress on second. 'Bruciore' = burning sensation.

When to use it

Describe heartburn or acid reflux to a doctor or pharmacist. Very common complaint in Italy.

What it means

'Bruciore di stomaco' (stomach burning) is the Italian term for heartburn — caused by acid reflux. 'Reflusso gastroesofageo' is the medical term. Common in Italy due to diet (tomato, coffee, olive oil, spicy food). Italian pharmacists often recommend antacids ('antiacidi') or proton pump inhibitors ('inibitori di pompa protonica', e.g. omeprazole).

Variations

Ho il reflusso gastroesofageo. Il bruciore arriva fino alla gola.

I have gastroesophageal reflux. The burning reaches my throat.

Reflux reaching the throat — 'reflusso laringofaringeo'

Dopo mangiato sento il cibo che risale.

After eating I feel food coming back up.

Regurgitation — describes reflux physically coming up

Ho dolore allo stomaco prima dei pasti.

I have stomach pain before meals.

Pain before meals (empty stomach) suggests gastric ulcer — different from reflux

Mini Dialogue

— Ho problemi digestivi. Sento bruciore di stomaco quasi ogni giorno. — Quando si manifesta? Dopo i pasti? — Soprattutto dopo cena, quando mi sdraio. — Classico reflusso. Eviti di mangiare nelle due ore prima di dormire. — E se non passa? — Le prescrivo l'omeprazolo. Lo prenda la mattina prima di colazione.

— I have digestive problems. I feel heartburn almost every day. — When does it occur? After meals? — Especially after dinner, when I lie down. — Classic reflux. Avoid eating in the two hours before sleeping. — And if it does not go away? — I will prescribe omeprazole. Take it in the morning before breakfast.

Cultural Note

Gastroesophageal reflux ('GERD') is extremely common in Italy — affecting an estimated 20% of the population. Italian diet, with its tomato-based sauces, coffee, wine, and late evening meals, is a contributing factor. Italian gastroenterologists recommend: eating earlier, smaller portions, avoiding lying down after meals, and elevating the head of the bed. Omeprazole ('omeprox', 'losec') is one of the most prescribed drugs in Italy.

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