Heartburn: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief - The Ultimate Guide

Heartburn: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. It can range from a mild discomfort to a severe pain. Heartburn is a common problem, affecting up to 60% of the population.

Causes of Heartburn

Heartburn is caused by a weakened or damaged lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a muscle that acts as a valve between the stomach and esophagus. When the LES is working properly, it closes after each swallow to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. However, if the LES is weakened or damaged, stomach acid can leak back into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to a weakened or damaged LES, including:

* Eating large meals
* Eating fatty or spicy foods
* Drinking carbonated beverages
* Smoking
* Pregnancy
* Obesity
* Certain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen

Symptoms of Heartburn

The most common symptom of heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest. Other symptoms can include:

* A sour or bitter taste in the mouth
* Regurgitation of food or liquid
* Difficulty swallowing
* Nausea
* Vomiting

Relief for Heartburn

There are a number of things you can do to relieve heartburn, including:

* Avoid eating large meals.
* Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.
* Avoid eating fatty or spicy foods.
* Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid carbonated beverages.
* Elevate your head and shoulders when you sleep.
* Quit smoking.
* Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
* Avoid taking aspirin and ibuprofen.

Over-the-counter Medications for Heartburn

There are a number of over-the-counter medications that can help relieve heartburn, including:

* Antacids, such as Maalox and Mylanta
* H2 blockers, such as Pepcid and Zantac
* Proton pump inhibitors, such as Prilosec and Nexium

When to See a Doctor

If you have frequent or severe heartburn, it is important to see a doctor. Heartburn can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a chronic condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing damage to the esophageal lining.

Treatment for Heartburn

The treatment for heartburn will depend on the severity of your symptoms. If you have mild heartburn, you may be able to manage it with over-the-counter medications. However, if you have frequent or severe heartburn, you may need to take prescription medications or undergo surgery.

Prevention of Heartburn

There are a number of things you can do to prevent heartburn, including:

* Eat smaller meals more frequently.
* Avoid eating fatty or spicy foods.
* Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid carbonated beverages.
* Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
* Quit smoking.
* Elevate your head and shoulders when you sleep.
* Avoid taking aspirin and ibuprofen.