Heartburn is a common symptom that many people experience at some point in their lives. It is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, often accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. It is caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This condition, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can cause discomfort and affect daily activities. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and management of heartburn is essential for finding relief and preventing its recurrence.
Home Sample Collection Process
1
Book your convenient slot
2
Sample Collection by Phlebotomist
3
Reporting of the sample at lab
4
Download Reports
Note: Home Sample Collection is only for Pathology lab tests.
What causes heartburn?
Heartburn is primarily caused by the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular ring that acts as
a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. When the LES is weak or relaxes abnormally, stomach acid can flow
back into the esophagus, causing irritation and the burning sensation known as heartburn. Certain factors can
contribute to the development of heartburn, including obesity, certain foods and beverages (such as spicy or acidic
foods, caffeine, and alcohol), smoking, and certain medications.
What are the common symptoms of heartburn?
The most common symptom of heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest, usually behind the breastbone. This
discomfort may extend to the neck and throat. Other symptoms can include regurgitation of stomach acid into the
mouth, a sour or bitter taste, difficulty swallowing, and a feeling of a lump in the throat. Symptoms may worsen
after meals, when lying down, or when bending over.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, heartburn can be diagnosed based on a person's symptoms and medical history. If symptoms are severe or persistent, a healthcare provider may perform further tests such as an upper endoscopy or pH monitoring to evaluate the severity of acid reflux and check for any underlying conditions.
While occasional heartburn is common and typically harmless, frequent or chronic heartburn can lead to complications such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), narrowing of the esophagus (strictures), Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous condition), and an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. Seeking medical evaluation and treatment is important to manage symptoms and prevent potential complications.
There are several lifestyle modifications and home remedies that can help manage heartburn symptoms. These include avoiding trigger foods and beverages, eating smaller meals, avoiding lying down or bending over after meals, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, elevating the head of the bed, and using over-the-counter antacids or acid reducers to provide temporary relief.
While occasional heartburn can be managed at home, it is important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist despite lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter remedies, if symptoms worsen or become more frequent, or if they are accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, unintended weight loss, or vomiting blood.
There are several types of medications that can be prescribed or recommended by a healthcare provider to help manage heartburn. These include antacids, which neutralize stomach acid, and acid reducers such as H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which reduce the production of stomach acid. Your healthcare provider can guide you in choosing the most appropriate medication based on the severity of your symptoms.
In addition to short-term symptom management, long-term lifestyle changes may be necessary to reduce the frequency and severity of heartburn. These can include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding trigger foods and beverages, eating smaller and more frequent meals, avoiding lying down for at least two hours after meals, and practicing stress reduction techniques.
While heartburn cannot always be completely prevented, adopting healthy lifestyle habits and avoiding trigger foods and behaviors can help reduce the risk of experiencing frequent heartburn episodes. Managing weight, eating a balanced diet, avoiding late-night meals, quitting smoking, and reducing stress can contribute to overall digestive health and minimize the occurrence of heartburn.
Heartburn can be initially managed by a primary care physician or a gastroenterologist, depending on the severity and frequency of symptoms. These healthcare providers can evaluate your symptoms, recommend appropriate diagnostic tests if needed, and develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your heartburn effectively.
