What Is Heartburn?
Heartburn is a common digestive problem that many people experience at some point in their lives. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Understanding the causes and symptoms of heartburn is crucial for managing and seeking appropriate medical help if needed.
What Are the Common Causes of Heartburn?
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The most common causes of heartburn include:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – GERD is a chronic condition where the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES), a muscular ring that acts as a valve between the stomach and oesophagus, weakens or relaxes inappropriately. This allows stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn.
- Hiatal Hernia – A hiatal hernia occurs when a part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through the diaphragm. This can lead to increased acid reflux and heartburn symptoms.
- Certain Foods – Certain types of food can trigger heartburn in susceptible individuals. Common culprits include spicy, greasy, or fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, garlic, onions, chocolate, coffee, and peppermint.
- Large Meals – Overeating or consuming large meals can pressure the LES, leading to acid reflux and heartburn.
- Lying Down After Eating – Gravity helps keep stomach acid down when upright. Lying down too soon after eating can allow stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus more easily.
- Pregnancy – Pregnancy can cause hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure, leading to heartburn.
- Obesity – Excess body weight, especially around the abdomen, can increase pressure on the stomach, promoting acid reflux.
- Smoking – Smoking weakens the LES and can increase stomach acid production, making heartburn more likely.
- Certain Medications – Some medications, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), aspirin, and certain blood pressure medications, can contribute to heartburn.
- Alcohol and Caffeine – Both alcohol and caffeine can relax the LES and stimulate acid production, potentially triggering heartburn.
- Stress – Stress can worsen digestive issues and increase the likelihood of experiencing heartburn.
How Does Heartburn Feel Like?
Heartburn is often described as a burning feeling in the chest. It typically starts behind the breastbone and may extend upward to the throat or neck. The sensation is caused by stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus, irritating its lining.
The burning sensation can vary in intensity and may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Sour or Bitter Taste – Some people may experience a sour or bitter taste in their mouth, which occurs due to the regurgitation of stomach acid.
- Worsening with Certain Activities – Heartburn tends to worsen when bending over, lying down, or after eating a meal.
- Discomfort or Pain – Along with the burning sensation, heartburn can cause discomfort or mild pain in the chest.
- Belching – Some individuals may experience excessive belching or burping due to excess stomach acid.
It’s important to note that despite its name, heartburn is unrelated to the heart. It is a digestive issue that affects the upper digestive tract. Sometimes, people might mistake heartburn for a heart attack due to the similarity in chest pain.
When to Seek Medical Help?
While occasional heartburn is common and can often be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter antacids, it is essential to seek medical help if the symptoms become persistent and occur more than twice a week. Here are some specific instances when it’s important to consult a healthcare professional:
- Frequent Occurrence – If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, it may indicate an underlying condition like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Frequent heartburn can lead to complications and should not be ignored.
- Persistent Symptoms – If your heartburn persists despite lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications, it’s time to see a doctor. Chronic heartburn can cause damage to the oesophagus and needs appropriate management.
- Difficulty Swallowing – If you have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) along with heartburn, it could suggest a more severe problem. This combination of symptoms requires medical attention to determine the cause.
- Unexplained Weight Loss – Unexpected weight loss along with heartburn can be a sign of a more serious condition. Rapid weight loss without trying could indicate a potential issue that needs to be investigated.
- Chest Pain – Although heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest, it’s essential to differentiate it from heart-related chest pain. If you experience chest pain that radiates to your arm or shoulder, or if you have shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention to rule out a heart attack.
- Blood in Stool or Vomit – If you notice blood in your stool or vomit, it could indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which requires urgent evaluation and medical care.
- Persistent Cough or Hoarseness – Chronic cough or hoarseness, along with heartburn, might be related to reflux affecting the throat. Consulting a doctor can help identify and manage the underlying cause.
What Are the Diagnostic Procedures to Identify Causes?
To identify the underlying causes of heartburn, doctors may perform various diagnostic procedures. These can include an upper endoscopy, where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the oesophagus to examine the lining and detect any abnormalities. Other tests, such as oesophageal pH monitoring, can measure the acidity levels in the oesophagus to assess acid reflux episodes. These procedures help doctors determine the best treatment plan based on the specific cause of heartburn.
Why It’s Important to Share Detailed Symptoms With the Doctor?
When experiencing heartburn, it is vital to share detailed symptoms with the doctor to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Differentiating heartburn from other potential health issues is crucial, and providing information about the frequency, triggers, and duration of symptoms can aid in making an informed decision.
By openly discussing your concerns, you enable your doctor to create a personalised treatment plan that addresses the root cause of heartburn and improves your overall digestive health.
