This leads to contents from the stomach leaking back into the esophagus. Stomach acids can irritate the esophagus and cause symptoms of heartburn. This condition is known as reflux. Heartburn can also be the result of a hiatal hernia. This happens when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and into the chest.
Heartburn is also a common condition during pregnancy. When a woman is pregnant, the progesterone hormone can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax. This allows stomach contents to travel into the esophagus, causing irritation. Many people occasionally experience heartburn. This could be a sign of a more serious condition. Heartburn often occurs alongside other gastrointestinal conditions, such as ulcers, which are sores in the lining of the esophagus and stomach, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Contact your doctor if you have heartburn and develop:. You may be having a heart attack if you have:.
If you experience occasional heartburn, there are several home remedies and lifestyle changes that can help alleviate your symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, can help reduce your symptoms. It creates a burning pain in the lower chest. Persistent acid reflux that happens more than twice per week is what experts call gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD. A person will feel heartburn when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, the pipe that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
Heartburn is a symptom of GERD. The American College of Gastroenterology estimate that more than 15 million people in the United States experience heartburn symptoms every day. It is common for people to experience occasional heartburn, and it is rarely a significant cause for concern. However, a doctor may diagnose recurrent acid reflux as GERD. This condition can have a serious impact on health, and it can indicate other underlying health issues.
People of all ages may develop GERD. Some of the most common causes include obesity and smoking. The most frequent symptom of acid reflux or heartburn is a feeling of warmth, heat, or burning in the chest and throat.
This is due to the stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus. Other symptoms include :. If a person experiences acid reflux symptoms often, they should consult a doctor, who may refer them to a gastroenterologist — a specialist in gut medicine — for further investigation.
Using some lifestyle and behavioral tips can help prevent or reduce heartburn. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Acid reflux. American College of Gastroenterology. Accessed March 2, Feldman M, et al. Symptoms of esophageal disease. Philadelphia, Pa. Kahrilas PJ.
Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux in adults. Warning signs of a heart attack. American Heart Association. Accessed March 8, Goldman L, et al. Gastrointestinal endoscopy. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Pathophysiology of reflux esophagitis. Many things can trigger heartburn. The most common cause is food that's acidic or high in fat—like citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, cheese, and peppermint.
Spicy foods or large meals can also be the root of distress. Other sources of heartburn include aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as some sedatives and blood pressure medications. Tobacco in cigarettes is known to affect LES function too; cigarette smoking relaxes the muscle, which can result in heartburn. Being overweight or pregnant can also trigger heartburn due to added pressure on the abdomen and stomach. Symptoms usually begin shortly after eating and may persist for hours or fade in minutes.
In addition to burning in the chest, you may have a sour taste in your mouth, coughing, or hoarseness. You may also feel like you have food "stuck" in your throat.
Many people experience worsening heartburn when they lie down or bend over, because these actions allow stomach acid to move more easily into the esophagus.
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