What happens in the body when you have heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. The oesophagus is a tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It has a sphincter muscle at the bottom that acts like a valve, keeping stomach contents from flowing back up.

When this valve relaxes or becomes weak, it can allow stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn. This can happen for several reasons, including:

* Eating large meals

* Eating fatty or spicy foods

* Drinking alcohol or caffeine

* Smoking

* Being pregnant

* Having obesity

* Certain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen

* Hiatal hernia, which is a condition where the upper part of the stomach protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm

When stomach acid comes into contact with the lining of the oesophagus, it can cause inflammation and irritation, leading to the burning sensation of heartburn. This can also cause other symptoms, such as:

* Chest pain

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Regurgitation of stomach contents

* Difficulty swallowing

* Hoarseness

* Coughing

In severe cases, heartburn can lead to oesophagitis, which is an inflammation of the oesophagus. Oesophagitis can cause bleeding and scarring, and it can increase the risk of developing oesophageal cancer.

If you experience frequent or severe heartburn, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions and get appropriate treatment.