What is Heartburn?
When acids from your stomach flow back into your esophagus (the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach) the result is heartburn also known as reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Symptoms include burning pain in the lower chest, sour taste in the mouth and a feeling of bloating or fullness in the stomach.
How Does It Occur?
There is a ring of muscle that acts like a valve at the base of your esophagus called the sphincter. It opens to let food pass through to the stomach and closes to keep the contents in the stomach. If this muscle becomes week, stomach acid and food flow backward and because the esophagus does not have the protective lining of the stomach, the acid results in pain.
What is the Cause?
There are many causes of Heartburn but the most common are: excessive weight, overeating, lying down too soon after eating, wearing tight clothing around the stomach, and taking certain medicines such as aspirin.
What Foods Cause Heartburn?
Foods high in fat and sugar, chocolate, peppermint, onions, citrus foods (orange juice), tomato-based foods, spicy foods, coffee (caffeinated beverages) and alcohol are all known triggers of Heartburn.
How is it Treated?
To help reduce the symptoms of heartburn you can do any or all of the following:
- Eat light meals and avoid wearing tight clothing
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- Stop smoking – smoking relaxes the valve muscle leading to your stomach
- Take nonprescription antacids after meals and at bedtime
- Raise the head of your bed or add an extra pillow so your head is higher than your stomach
If, after trying the methods above, you still find you suffer from heartburn nearly every day for two weeks, consult with your medical professional to see if prescription medication is right for you.
NOTE: Seek emergency care if you experience shortness of breath, sweating, light-headedness, weakness or jaw, arm, back or chest pain.
