Heartburn: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by acid reflux. This happens when stomach acid or bile flows backward into the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth and stomach). The esophagus is not equipped to handle the acidity, leading to irritation and discomfort.

When heartburn lasts for a long time or keeps coming back frequently, it may be a sign of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

Symptoms of Heartburn

The common heartburn symptoms to watch out for are:

• A mild/severe burning sensation in the chest, especially right below the breastbone and throat

• Acid-like, foul smell in the mouth

• Abdominal pain

• Severe pain in the stomach when bending or lying down

• Irritation in the chest and abdomen, especially 1 or 2 hours after a meal

• Difficulty swallowing

• A choking feeling that makes you believe that food is being stuck uncomfortably in your throat

• Coughing (usually chronic instances)

• Decreased appetite, leading to sudden loss of weight

• Hiccups

• Laryngitis

Causes of Heartburn

You don’t have to panic when you experience heartburn, as this is not a severe ailment. However, you must know about the heartburn causes to know how to prevent such instances in the future and seek medical attention when necessary.

• Food triggers, such as spicy foods, foodstuffs rich in acids, and foods causing stomach bloating, such as tomatoes, chocolates, alcohol, peppermint, and citrus fruits

• Obesity

• Smoking

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Alcohol

• Beverages with a high caffeine content

• Aerated drinks

• Heavy meals

• Pregnancy (hormonal changes can induce heartburn in some women)

Risk factors of Heartburn

A heartburn does not carry any major risks to your life. However, when a heartburn recurs frequently, it can lead to the following complications such as GERD or Barrett’s oesophagus (extreme damage and development of cancerous cells in the oesophagus).

People more prone to heartburn are:

• Pregnant women

• People with high stress and anxiety

• Smokers and users of tobacco products

• Individuals who eat just before going to bed

• People with constipation

• People who wear tight clothes

• Users of certain antibiotic medications and drugs to treat inflammation

Diagnosis of Heartburn

After carefully analysing heartburn symptoms, your doctor may advise you on the following diagnostic procedures:

• X-ray to check the status of the oesophagus

• Endoscopy for detailed analysis of the oesophagus

• Acid probe tests to check the stomach acid’s pH levels

• Motility testing to understand the oesophageal movement

Treatment of Heartburn

You can follow one of the treatment procedures to get long-term relief:

• Follow a healthy diet and avoid food triggers such as spicy, processed, and refined foods

• Getting about 30 to 45 minutes of physical activity every day (like walking, running, etc.) can help in treating heartburn.

• Medications like antacids are available over the counter to provide quick relief from heartburn

• Proton Pump Inhibitors and H2 blockers are used to lower the acid levels in the stomach

• Alginates (natural sugars from seaweed) to control acid reflux symptoms

• Topical Steroids

• Antibiotics to treat infection-related heartburn

• Neuromodulators and therapies

• Hernia surgery if heartburn arises because of a hernia issue

• Nissen fundoplication (a minor surgery for long-term heartburn issues, which may lead to chronic GERD)

• LINX device implant for chronic GERD cases

FAQs

1. What are the top 3 things I can do to prevent heartburn?

Eating meals at least 2 hours before going to bed, getting about 30 minutes of physical activity daily, and avoiding spicy, oily and junk foods are the top 3 things to do to prevent heartburn.

2. Should I seek medical help when I experience heartburn?

If you experience heartburn occasionally due to certain foods, you can make simple changes to your diet and lifestyle. Over-the-counter antacids can help you; however, if you keep experiencing heartburn more than twice a week for a long time, you should seek medical help.