Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux, a condition where some of the stomach contents travel back up into the esophagus, or food pipe. 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.
In this article, we discuss heartburn, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
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.
Symptoms
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:
a burning sensation in the middle of the chest
a burning, indigestion-like pain
a foul, acrid taste in the mouth
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.
Remedies
Using some lifestyle and behavioral tips can help prevent or reduce heartburn. Suggestions include:
following a healthy diet, with a limited fat intake
avoiding eating 2–3 hours before bedtime
elevating the head of the bed before lying down
avoiding wearing tight-fitting clothes
avoiding heavy lifting and straining
avoiding food triggers, such as alcohol, caffeine, spicy food, acidic foods, or foods causing gas and bloating
reaching or maintaining a moderate weight
quitting smoking, if applicable
exercising regularly
eating smaller meals more frequently
It is of note, however, that these lifestyle modifications may not work for everyone.
During pregnancy
According to the Office on Women’s Health (OWH), heartburn and indigestion are common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the baby pressing against the stomach.
The OWH suggest some diet and lifestyle changes that may help relieve the symptoms. These include:
eating five to six small meals throughout the day
not lying down within an hour of eating
avoiding fatty and spicy foods
Heartburn or heart attack?
A heart attack is when the arteries connected to the heart become blocked. Heartburn, on the other hand, occurs when stomach acid travels back up the esophagus.
Some symptoms of heartburn and a heart attack could be similar, such as chest pain. As a result, some people who are having a heart attack do not take action as they think they have heartburn.
If a person experiences heartburn pain alongside shortness of breath or sweating, this could be a heart-related issue.
Other symptoms of a heart attack can include:
discomfort in the chest, such as squeezing, fullness, pressure, or pain
pain or discomfort in one or both arms, stomach, neck, jaw, or back
If a person has some or all of these symptoms, they should seek emergency medical attention. In the words of the American Heart Association (AHA), “If in doubt, check it out.”
Knowing how to distinguish a heart attack from heartburn can save lives.
Treatment
A person may alleviate symptoms of heartburn by using drugs such as:
antacids, which are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that help relieve mild heartburn
proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which reduce the amount of stomach acid
H2 blockers, which are a type of medication that reduces the stomach acid levels and may help heal the esophageal lining
It is important to note that PPIs heal the esophageal lining and treat GERD symptoms more effectively than H2 blockers.
Additionally, H2 blockers can produce various side effects, such as diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, and headaches.
In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that manufacturers remove all forms of prescription and OTC ranitidine (Zantac), an H2 blocker, from the market because of its unacceptable levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine, a probable carcinogen.
Prevention
Changes to lifestyle and behavior can prevent or improve heartburn symptoms.
A person may prevent heartburn by avoiding acidic foods and drinks that contain caffeine.
Getting more exercise, reaching or maintaining a moderate weight, eating smaller meals, and sitting upright after eating may also help avert heartburn.
Summary
Many people experience heartburn occasionally. Usually, it is no cause for concern.
However, if a person has heartburn regularly, they should contact a healthcare professional, who may recommend dietary changes and regular exercise and make suggestions with regard to posture, among other things.
If lifestyle and behavioral changes do not prove effective, a doctor may recommend OTC medications, such as antacids or H2 blockers.
If a person is unsure whether they are experiencing symptoms of heartburn or a heart attack, they should seek immediate medical attention.
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