Heartburn is a commonly experienced condition that people may experience after a meal while lying down or bending over. The main characteristic of this condition is a burning sensation in the chest. The reason behind this discomfort is the flow of stomach acid into the esophagus or the food pipe. 

The symptoms of this condition are  – 

• A burning sensation in the chest
• An unpleasant taste in the mouth 
• A person can also experience cough backups and bad breath as well. 

Heartburn Causes 

Heartburn is a result of stomach acid backing up into the food pipe. Some of the factors that can contribute to this are certain foods and drinks such as fried food, carbonated beverages, Caffeinated drinks, spicy food, tomato products, etc. 

Other attributes that can contribute to this condition are 

• Portion size and timing of meals.
• Habits such as going to bed after eating.
• Obesity or being overweight.
• It can be the side effect of certain medications such as Ibuprofen.
• Smoking.
• Pregnancy.
• Conditions such as hiatal hernia.

Heartburn if not accompanied by other symptoms can be easily managed by lifestyle changes. these changes include –

• Diet control and exercise 
•  Avoiding foods that trigger heartburn
•  Maintaining an active lifestyle
•  Elevating your head at night
•  Not smoking 

Managing heartburn with medications 

In case there is no other symptom being experienced with heartburn, there are a few medications that can be used to treat heartburn. Antacids and H2 Blockers can be used. Antacids neutralize the production of the excess acid in the stomach while H2 blockers reduce the production of acid in the stomach. Another option is medications that are proton pump inhibitors. Medications that are proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)  reduce acid production. It is sometimes prescribed for frequent heartburn. 

Important note: If you are experiencing heartburn more than twice a week you might need to consult a doctor. Consult a doctor when the over-the-counter medications don’t work. The heartburn in these cases could be a symptom of a disease that may require a more comprehensive treatment plan.

Some of the Conditions in which Heartburn is a Symptom are as Follows.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – This is a chronic condition in which excess acid is being produced in the stomach. The flow back of this excess acid into the esophagus causes heartburn. 
• Peptic Ulcers – These are sores or damaged areas in the lining of the stomach or small intestine that can cause burning pain. This could be linked to excess acid production. 
• Hiatal Hernia – In this medical condition, a part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, leading to acid reflux. 
• Esophagitis – In this case, the esophagus is inflamed due to acid reflux, a side effect of a medication, or an infection. 
• Gastritis – The stomach lining is inflamed in this case, This inflammation can be due to infections, medications such as NSAIDs, or excessive drinking.
• Gallbladder Disease – This is a broad term that includes conditions such as gallstones or cholecystitis.  
• Functional Dyspepsia – This is ingestion with no clear cause. 
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) – This is an autoimmune disease.  
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome – A rare condition where excess acid is produced due to the presence of tumors. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: The information on this blog is strictly for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor before taking any medication.