Search results
Dec 7, 2023 · Heartburn is discomfort or actual pain caused by digestive acid moving into the tube that carries swallowed food to your stomach (esophagus). Typical features of heartburn include: A burning sensation in the chest that may also involve the upper abdomen; Usually occurs after eating or while lying down or bending over
- Belching, Gas and Bloating
Belching or passing gas, also called flatus, is natural and...
- Symptoms & Causes
Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your...
- Acid Reflux and GERD
Sometimes acid reflux progresses to GERD, a more severe form...
- GERD
Symptoms. Common symptoms of GERD include: A burning...
- Belching, Gas and Bloating
People also ask
Is heartburn a symptom of a serious health problem?
Can heartburn be a symptom of a heart attack?
What are the symptoms of heartburn?
Apr 16, 2024 · Heartburn (acid reflux) feels like a sharp, burning sensation rising from your stomach, passing through your chest, and sometimes reaching your throat. Food, medication, health conditions, pregnancy, smoking, and stress are all common causes of sudden heartburn.
- Overview
- What causes heartburn and when should you be concerned?
- What are the more serious complications of heartburn?
- What’s the best way to treat and relieve heartburn?
- Takeaway
Heartburn is usually the unfortunate, but temporary, consequence of a spicy meal or other dietary choice. But when heartburn returns repeatedly, it may be a symptom of a potentially serious health problem.
When stomach acid works its way up into your esophagus, the uncomfortable feeling in your chest is called “acid reflux” or “heartburn.”
Knowing what triggers your heartburn is important to avoid or reduce acid reflux. It’s also important to recognize the symptoms that indicate your heartburn is more than a fleeting reaction to what you just ate or drank.
Heartburn can be a symptom of potentially severe esophageal conditions, so if the frequency and intensity of your heartburn episodes increase, you’ll want to get medical help.
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid moves from your stomach into your esophagus and irritates the lining of the esophagus.
Usually, after you drink or swallow food, a small muscular ring called the “lower esophageal sphincter (LES)” closes to prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus. If the sphincter doesn’t close tightly, the result may be acid reflux.
Some of the factors that cause the LES to weaken or lose its shape include:
•excess alcohol consumption, causing the LES to relax too much and, over time, damaging the LES
•medications, including:
•certain antihypertensives
Esophagitis
Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus and a possible cause of ulcers or bleeding. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases also reports that esophagitis can be a risk factor for more serious conditions, such as esophageal stricture and Barrett’s esophagus.
Esophageal stricture
Inflammation and irritation of the esophageal lining can cause the esophagus to narrow. Esophageal stricture can make swallowing more difficult and lead to complications, ranging from choking to malnourishment from reduced food consumption.
Barrett’s esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus is an uncommon condition, affecting an estimated 1.6–6.8% of the general population. It develops when the lining of the esophagus becomes damaged by continual exposure to stomach acid. Barrett’s esophagus can also lead to a type of cancer called “esophageal adenocarcinoma.”
Lifestyle changes
Heartburn and the overproduction of stomach acid are usually responses to the foods and beverages you consume. Avoiding triggers is the key to reducing heartburn episodes. Your trigger foods and drinks may be different than those that bother someone else, but among the more common heartburn triggers are: •alcohol •chocolate •coffee •greasy foods and high fat foods, including whole fat dairy products •peppermint •spicy foods Other helpful lifestyle tips to reduce or prevent heartburn include: •maintaining a moderate weight to reduce pressure on the LES •quitting smoking, if you smoke — smoking not only weakens the LES but can further irritate the lining of your esophagus •sleeping with your upper body slightly elevated, especially if you consumed a possible heartburn trigger or are going to sleep within a few hours after eating
Medications
There are 3 classes of heartburn medications: •Antacids (Mylanta, Rolaids, Tums): Antiacids change the nature of your stomach acid to make it less irritating. •H2 blockers (Tagamet, Pepcid): H2 blockers reduce the volume of stomach acid in your system. •Proton pump inhibitors (Prevacid, Nexium, Prilosec): Proton pump inhibitors also reduce the amount of stomach acid, but they’re more powerful than H2 blockers and aren’t designed for immediate heartburn relief.
Does drinking water help relieve heartburn?
Drinking water can help dilute the stomach acid in your system. A 2019 study further suggests that frequent, but small sips of water may be especially effective in easing the discomfort of heartburn. Other beverages, such as herbal teas and plant-based milks, may also be helpful. Ideally, you may want to avoid carbonated drinks and those that are especially acidic, such as fruit juices. Was this helpful?
Heartburn can be either a nuisance after a heavy meal or the first symptom of a more serious condition.
For many people, avoiding foods and beverages that trigger heartburn is the easiest way to prevent the pain and discomfort of acid reflux.
Other lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and maintaining a moderate weight, can also help. If your efforts to curb heartburn episodes are ineffective, and you start to experience more frequent and more intense difficulties, you may want to talk with a doctor soon.
Heartburn is a common symptom of GERD, which, in turn, can be a risk factor for more severe medical concerns.
- James Roland
May 13, 2022 · Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or bending over. Occasional heartburn is common and no cause for alarm.
Apr 26, 2024 · Occasional heartburn usually isn’t a cause for concern. However, frequent heartburn may be a symptom of GERD, a more serious condition that means you might need prescription medication or...
Aug 22, 2024 · Symptoms. Common symptoms of GERD include: A burning sensation in the chest, often called heartburn. Heartburn usually happens after eating and might be worse at night or while lying down. Backwash of food or sour liquid in the throat. Upper belly or chest pain. Trouble swallowing, called dysphagia. Sensation of a lump in the throat.
Sep 2, 2023 · Symptoms of severe heartburn might be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a chronic condition and can be disruptive and painful. The symptoms can be so bad that they are difficult to tell apart from a heart attack. Learn more about severe heartburn and GERD and when symptoms might mean that treatment is needed.
