What is heartburn?

Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus - the tube that connects the throat and the stomach. It is caused by stomach acid. This causes a burning sensation in the upper abdomen or under the breastbone.

Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. But some symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack or heart disease.

Heartburn Symptoms

Heartburn feels exactly like its name: a burning sensation behind the breastbone, or breastbone, in the center of the chest. You can also feel it in your throat. You may also:

• You feel chest pain when you bend over or lie down
• Having a hot, sour, bitter, or salty taste in the back of the throat
• Find it difficult to swallow

How long does heartburn last?

It can change. For some people, it may only take a few minutes. Sometimes it can last for several hours.

Heartburn affects up to 20 percent of Americans about once a week and is common in pregnant women.

Causes of heartburn and risk factors

Heartburn symptoms can occur due to a problem with a muscle valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It is located where the esophagus meets the stomach - below the rib cage and slightly to the left of the center. Normally, with the help of gravity, LES keeps stomach acid exactly where it should be: in the stomach. When working properly, the LES opens to allow food to enter your stomach or to make you burp, then closes again. But if the LES opens too often or doesn't close well enough, stomach acid can seep into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation.

If your LES isn't strengthening as it should, there are often two things that contribute to the problem. One is overeating, which puts too much food in the stomach. Another reason is excessive pressure on the stomach, often due to obesity, pregnancy or constipation.

Certain foods can relax your LES or increase stomach acid, including:

• tomatoes
• citrus fruits
• garlic and onions
• Chocolate
• Coffee or caffeinated products
• alcohol
• pepper mint

Meals high in fats and oils (of animal or plant origin) often cause heartburn, as do certain medications. Stress and lack of sleep can increase stomach acid production and cause heartburn.

When you're pregnant, the hormone progesterone can relax your LES and cause heartburn. Smoking also relaxes the LES and increases stomach acid.

Heartburn Complications

Occasional heartburn is not dangerous. But GERD can sometimes lead to serious problems, such as:

• A persistent cough
• laryngitis
• Inflammation or ulcers in the esophagus
• Difficulty swallowing due to a narrow esophagus

Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer

Prevention of heartburn

Follow these tips to prevent heartburn:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid foods and drinks that make symptoms worse.
• Wear loose clothing around the waist.
• Eat smaller meals and try not to overeat. NO SMOKING.
• Avoid constipation.
• Get enough sleep and minimize stress.
• After eating, wait 3 hours before lying down.
• Raise the headboard of your bed 6 to 8 inches.