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What Are the Effects of Heartburn?

According to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), heartburn is rarely life-threatening. A common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn is often mistaken for a heart attack because its pain locates near the heart. The effects of heartburn are most often associated with GERD and issues with the esophagus.

  1. Discomfort

    • Discomfort is a main effect of heartburn. According to the Mayo Clinic, heartburn causes a burning sensation in the chest just behind the breastbone. The pain often extends up through the throat. It occurs most frequently after eating or in the evening. Heartburn pain tends to worsen when you lie down or bend over. The AGA advises that heartburn can usually be curbed by changing behavior, such as eating habits, and using over-the-counter medications. If it is persistent or increases in severity, something more serious could be occurring.

    GERD

    • Heartburn involves stomach acid backing up into the esophagus.

      Heartburn is the main symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Mayo doctors note that frequent heartburn that impacts your daily routine is GERD. The AGA points out that GERD-associated heartburn can also trigger sore throat, a hoarse voice, chronic cough and the feeling that you have a lump in your throat. You may feel or taste stomach acid backing up into the esophagus and your mouth with moderate-to-serious heartburn. For this reason, heartburn is often called acid indigestion.

    Esophagus Issues

    • Heartburn, particularly frequent GERD-related heartburn, can affect the esophagus. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) argues that the intensity of heartburn pain does not necessarily indicate the level of damage, if any, being done to the esophagus. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) reports that Barrett's esophagus tends to present no symptoms, but it is often found in individuals with GERD. Barrett's esophagus is marked by a changing in the tissue that lines the esophagus. NDDIC claims that the cause is unknown, but a connection between the stomach acid produced by GERD and the disorder is suspected. In rare cases, Barrett's esophagus leads to a deadly form of cancer of the esophagus.

    Less Common Effects

    • UMMC lists several less common effects of frequent heartburn or GERD. They include trouble swallowing, which can lead to choking, severe chest pain, and serious esophageal damage in rare cases. GERD can also cause coughing and other respiratory symptoms due to a narrowing of the esophagus. Nausea and vomiting sometimes occur with frequent heartburn, and they can also signal something more serious, such as an ulcer or cancer. Persistent hiccups are also a potential effect of heartburn, notes UMMC.

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