What Is Heartburn?
Heartburn is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux or acid reflux
(also known as "acid indigestion" or in more serious cases, "GERD",
gastroesophageal reflux disease). According to the National Institute of Diabetes
and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), more than 60 million American adults
experience heartburn at least once a month. As many as 25 million suffer daily.
Men and women are affected almost equally, but incidence increases after age
40. Heartburn is also a fairly common complaint among pregnant women.
Heartburn often starts as a burning pain behind the breastbone and travels
upward to the neck. Often people may have a sensation of food coming back into
their mouths, accompanied by an acidic or bitter taste. Heartburn is caused
when a muscle between the esophagus and stomach weakens or relaxes, inappropriately
allowing stomach acid and/or undigested food to pass back into the esophagus.
Heartburn usually occurs after meals, but it may also occur with stress or at
Other symptoms of heartburn include persistent sore
throat, hoarseness, chronic cough, asthma, chest pain, or feeling a lump in
Frequent heartburn 2 or more times per week, may be associated with chronic
gastroesophageal reflux and a more serious condition called "GERD", or gastroesophageal
reflux disease. Chronic gastroesophageal reflux may cause serious problems
including erosive esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus (a pre-cancerous condition),
or ultimately, esophageal cancer.
What can you do to treat it? First,
try over-the-counter medications along with lifestyle changes:
- Don't lie down for 3 hrs after eating.
- Avoid foods, drinks or medicines that aggravate heartburn, such as
fried or fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, sodas, citrus fruits, tomato products
- Eat smaller portions at mealtimes.
- Wear loose fitting clothing.
- Maintain a normal body weight.
- Stop smoking.
If over-the-counter medicines and lifestyle changes
don't eliminate your heartburn, see your doctor. There are now several
prescription medicines that may help. These prescription medicines fall into
- H2 receptor antagonists, which work by decreasing the flow of stomach
- Proton Pump Inhibitors, which decrease the flow of stomach acid to
a greater degree.
Created: 9/26/2003  - Donnica Moore, M.D.