Heartburn: Causes and Symptoms

[Esther Amadi]

WHAT IS HEARTBURN?

Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest, behind your breastbone.  You may also experience a bitter taste in your throat or mouth. Symptoms of heartburn may get worse after you eat or when lying down.

 

SYMPTOMS OF HEARTBURN.

1. An uncomfortable or burning pain in the middle of your chest.
2. A burning sensation in your throat.
3. Pressure or pain behind your breastbone.
4. Difficulty swallowing.
5. Worsening pain after lying down or bending over.
6. An acidic, sour, or bitter taste in your mouth.
7. Coughing or hoarseness.

These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to extremely uncomfortable.

 

CAUSES OF HEARTBURN.

Heartburn typically occurs when contents from the stomach (stomach acid) back up into the esophagus.

The esophagus is a tube that carries food and fluids from the mouth into the stomach.

The esophagus connects to the stomach at a juncture known as the lower esophageal sphincter. If the lower esophageal sphincter is functioning properly, it closes when food leaves the esophagus and enters the stomach.

In some people, the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t function properly or it becomes weakened. This leads to acid contents from the stomach leaking back into the esophagus. These stomach acids can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn. This condition is known as REFLUX.

 

Other factors and certain conditions may make it more likely for you to experience heartburn. These factors include:

 

HIATAL HERNIA.

A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of your stomach penetrates through the diaphragm, usually by way of a weakness or tear.

PREGNANCY. 

Heartburn is common during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester.

SMOKING.

Smoking is weakly associated with an increased chance of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

BEING OVERWEIGHT OR HAVING OBESITY.

Obesity is a major contributing risk factor to GERD, with heartburn and regurgitation being the typical way this condition manifests.

CERTAIN MEDICATIONS. 

Some medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, sedatives, and blood pressure medications, can increase your risk of heartburn.

 

Also, certain foods and drinks can trigger your symptoms. These may include:

1. High fat foods
2. Spicy foods
3. Fried foods
4. Onions
5. Coffee
6. Tomatoes and tomato-based products
7. Alcohol
8. Citrus fruits and juices
9. Carbonated drinks
10. Chocolates
11. Peppermint

Other triggers that can contribute to heartburn includes:

• Eating a large meal
• Lying down immediately after eating
• Wearing tight clothes

• This topic was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by Esther Amadi.

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