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Causes & Risk Factors for a Burning Sensation in the Chest

Frequent heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, in adults. Occasional reflux is normal, but persistent reflux that occurs more than twice a week can eventually lead to more serious health problems, such as esophageal ulcers or a serious condition known as Barrett's esophagus that may lead to cancer of the esophagus.

  1. Function

    • In GERD, the lower esphogeal sphincter, a valve that separates the esophagus and the stomach, opens spontaneously or does not close properly, resulting in the contents of the stomach rising up into the esophagus. This condition is also known as acid reflux, or acid regurgitation, because the acidic digestive juices rise up with the food.

    Effects

    • When acid reflux occurs, a person often experiences a noticeable taste in the back of the mouth. When stomach acid is refluxed and touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat, commonly referred to as heartburn or acid indigestion. Burning chest pain that is caused by heartburn usually occurs after eating or when a person lies down.

    Related Conditions

    • A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach and the lower esophageal valve move above the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the stomach from the chest. Normally, the diaphragm wall helps the valve prevent acid from rising up into the esophagus. When a hiatal hernia is present, acid reflux is more likely to occur. A hiatal hernia can occur in people of any age and usually produces no symptoms. Untreated GERD may worsen or contribute to conditions, such as asthma, chronic cough and pulmonary fibrosis.

    Risk Factors

    • Major risk factors for developing heartburn related to GERD include obesity, pregnancy and smoking, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Certain foods are known to worsen the condition, including citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, fatty and fried foods, garlic, onions, mint flavorings, spicy foods and tomato-based foods.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medications or surgery. Lifestyle changes often involve quitting smoking, wearing loose-fitting clothing, not lying down for at least three hours after eating, raising the head of one's bed 6 to 8 inches using wooden blocks, losing weight (if needed) and eating small, frequent meals. Medications, such as antacids, H2 blockers, foaming agents or proton pump inhibitors may be prescribed.

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