Symptoms of Heartburn

The condition commonly known as heartburn is also called acid indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn afflicts nearly 10% of the population on a regular basis and nearly 30% on an occasional basis. There are a handful of symptoms of GERD. Heartburn sufferers may experience all or only a few of them.

Significance

• Despite its name, heartburn is not a cardiac condition but a digestive disorder. A sphincter at the base of the esophagus controls the flow of food into the stomach. Once the food goes into the stomach, this sphincter tightens, preventing the food from going back up into the esophagus. In people experiencing heartburn, this sphincter malfunctions and small amounts of food (which has been made acidic within the stomach) flow back up into the esophagus, creating a burning sensation.

Types

• Heartburn can be caused by several factors. Pregnant woman (as many as half of them) often experience heartburn,as a result of the baby pushing up against the stomach and forcing open the sphincter. Smokers and caffeine drinkers are also at greater risk because nicotine and caffeine relax the sphincter.

Identification

• There are several common signs of heartburn, the first of which is a burning sensation in the esophagus (which seems near the heart, hence the name heartburn) or the throat. A tightening feeling in the chest is another sign. Difficulty swallowing, or a sensation that food is getting stuck in the throat during swallowing is another symptom of heartburn. Wheezing and coughing are symptoms that heartburn sufferers complain of often. Most of these symptoms increase in severity after a meal (when the stomach is full, which puts pressure on the sphincter), or when lying down (when the sphincter muscle relaxes).

Prevention/Solution

• There are several medications people with heartburn can try to alleviate their symptoms. Antacids can reduce the acidity of the fluid coming up into the esophagus so it does not burn. Proton pump inhibitors can decrease the amount of acid that the cells of the stomach release, while H2 inhibitors can reduce the amount of acid the body produces. Many heartburn symptoms can be alleviated through diet as well. Fatty foods, and foods high in acid (tomatoes, for instance) can trigger heartburn events, as can caffeine and peppermint. Reducing or avoiding such foods, especially before reclining, can offer some relief to people suffering from heartburn.

Warning

• Some of the symptoms of heartburn mimic those of a heart attack. Tightening of the chest, pain radiating up to the jaw or shoulder, dizziness and shortness of breath are symptoms that are more indicative of a cardiac condition, and medical intervention may be necessary.