Heartburn is a feeling of burning in chest. It felt in the chest, but, it is not any heart problems.
How it occurs?
The stomach is protected by mucous-barrier against stomach acid. But, esophagus which lies above the stomach has no such protection. There is a sphincter between the lower part of esophagus and stomach, called lower esophageal sphincter. It prevents foods to enter backward to esophagus from the stomach. If it does not close completely, stomach acid enters into the esophagus and the lower part of the esophagus can be damaged by stomach acid. It causes heartburn. Reasons for not closing of the sphincter are-
- Body's position- lying down or bending over
- Few foods and drinks such as fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, caffeine-containing beverages e. g. coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
- Obesity
- Large meal portions
- Coughing
- Tight clothing
- Lifting
- Straining
- Pregnancy
- Medical Problems that increase heartburn are- Diabetes Mellitus, Hiatal hernia, Scleroderma, CREST syndrome, Raynaud phenomenon.
- Medicines such as- anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids etc
- Some foods cause heartburn such as- spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomato sauces etc.
What are the Symptoms?
- Chest pain, worsen when lying down and bending forward.
- A burning feeling in the chest (usually 30-60 minutes after meals, especially at night) that lasts from a few minutes to several hours
- Burning in the throat; or acidic, hot, sour or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat
- Mild pain in the upper abdomen
- Dysphagia or Swallowing Difficulty
- Feeling like food sticking in the middle of the chest or throat
- Belching (sometimes)
What are the Complications?
- Erosive Esophagitis
- Barrett's Esophagus (most serious)
- Ulcers and Bleeding in the esophagus
- Esophageal Cancer
- Esophageal Strictures
- Tooth Erosion
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