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Signs of Heartburn

Almost everyone has experienced common heartburn at some point in their lives, but sometimes it can be difficult to determine if the symptoms are simply heartburn or are signs of something more serious. Heartburn is also known as acid indigestion, and in most cases is only a temporary, albeit painful, discomfort. Persistent, severe heartburn may be a sign of a more serious condition known as gastroesophageal reflux, commonly referred to as GERD.

  1. Features

    • Heartburn occurs most often after eating a heavy meal. It can be triggered by spicy foods or by lying down too soon after eating. Other triggers include smoking, fatty foods, alcohol and certain medications.

    Identification

    • A painful burning sensation beneath the breastbone is the most common sign of heartburn. This symptom can be accompanied by the regurgitation of bile into the upper throat, leaving an acidic taste in the mouth.

    Effects

    • Some health conditions lead to more frequent heartburn. These can include pregnancy, diabetes, obesity and asthma. Health problems such as hiatal hernias, connective tissue disorders and gastric outlet obstructions can lead to more frequent, severe heartburn.

    Considerations

    • When heartburn is accompanied by a persistent sore throat, chronic cough and hoarseness, it is often a sign that the patient is experiencing GERD, or acid reflux disorder. This condition requires medical attention, as the backup of bile into the esophagus can lead to permanent damage of the esophagus tissues.

    Prevention/Solution

    • There are a number of over-the-counter remedies for heartburn, such as Zantac and Tums. Frequent or severe heartburn should be discussed with a health care professional, especially when over-the-counter medications do not work. Doctors can run a series of tests to determine if the sufferers are experiencing common heartburn or if they suffer from the more serious gastroesophageal reflux. Medication and/or lifestyle changes may be proscribed once the diagnosis has been determined. Occasionally, surgery may be recommended for severe cases.

    Warning

    • It is possible to dismiss a heart attack as a case of heartburn. If the sufferer suddenly experiences a case of heartburn without a known trigger, he should seek medical help immediately as a heart attack may be in progress.

    Theories/Speculation

    • There are a number of home remedies said to work for occasional heartburn. The most popular is baking soda mixed with water. Cream of Tatar mixed with water is also an option, as both of these methods will temporarily neutralize the acids in the stomach.

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