The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw. Heartburn is usually due to regurgitation of gastric acid (gastric reflux) into the esophagus and is the major symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Heartburn is a feeling of burning in your chest, and is a symptom of acid reflux or GERD. ... Symptoms of acid reflux that may accompany heartburn include: ... Heartburn is a sensation of burning in the chest caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus.
Heartburn Causes
alcohol,
caffeine,
aspirin (Bayer, etc.),
buprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, etc.)
Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)
carbonated beverages,
acidic juices (grapefruit, orange, pineapple)
acidic foods (tomatoes, grapefruit, and oranges), and
chocolate.
Smoking and the consumption of high-fat content foods tend to affect function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), causing it to relax from the stomach and allow acid to reflux into the esophagus.
A hiatal hernia where a portion of the stomach lies within the chest instead of the in abdomen, can affect the way the LES works and is a risk factor for reflux. Hiatal hernias by themselves cause no symptoms. It is only when the LES fails that heartburn occurs.
Pregnancy can cause increased pressure within theabdominal cavity and affect LES function and predispose it to reflux.
Obesity may also cause increased pressure in the abdomen, and thus reflux in the same way.
TREATMENT:
Treatment for GERD and heartburn ranges from over-the-counter remedies to surgery. Here's a rundown on the pros and cons of your heartburn treatment options.
How Is Heartburn Treated?
Your doctor may suggest antacids for occasional heartburn. Sometimes, more potent medications may be needed, especially for persistent symptoms.
How to Get Relief
There are several ways to cool the burn. Here's what really helps.
Tips for Treating Severe Heartburn
If you don’t control your heartburn, it could damage your esophagus and even lead to cancer. There are some simple ways to make sure this doesn’t happen to you.
Potential Lifestyle Changes
You may be able to manage heartburn symptoms by adjusting your eating, sleeping, and lifestyle habits.
Over-the-Counter Heartburn Medicines
Non-prescription antacids and acid reducers may help relieve your heartburn symptoms.
Prescription Medication
Heartburn or GERD that occurs more than twice a week usually responds best to heartburn medicine that you take daily rather than just when you feel symptoms.
GERD Surgery
When medication and lifestyle changes don't work, surgery may be an option.
