Heartburn

Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is a common condition characterized by a burning sensation in the chest and throat. It occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing discomfort and pain.

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a chronic condition where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not function properly. The LES is a ring-like muscle that separates the esophagus and stomach, and its main function is to prevent stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus.

Symptoms of Heartburn

The symptoms of heartburn may include:

• A burning sensation in the chest and throat, which can range from mild to severe
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid into the mouth
• Bloating and discomfort in the upper abdomen
• Coughing or wheezing, especially at night
• Sore throat or hoarseness
• Trouble swallowing or feeling like food is stuck in the throat
• Choking sensation or feeling like there is a lump in the throat

Causes of Heartburn

The causes of heartburn may include:

• Weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) due to age, obesity, or other factors
• Hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach bulges up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm
• Pregnancy, which can put pressure on the stomach and cause acid reflux
• Certain foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy foods, and caffeine
• Smoking or secondhand smoke, which can relax the LES and worsen symptoms
• Certain medications, such as sedatives, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications

Treatments for Heartburn

The treatments for heartburn may include:

• Lifestyle changes, such as:
  • Avoiding trigger foods and drinks
  • Eating smaller, more frequent meals
  • Not lying down after eating
  • Raising the head of the bed by 6-8 inches
  • Quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as:
  • Antacids, which neutralize stomach acid
  • Histamine-2 (H2) blockers, which reduce acid production
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which block the production of stomach acid
• Prescription medications, such as:
  • PPIs, which are stronger than OTC versions
  • H2 blockers, which are stronger than OTC versions
  • Prokinetics, which help the stomach empty faster and reduce acid reflux
• Surgery, such as:
  • Fundoplication, which wraps the upper portion of the stomach around the lower esophagus to prevent acid reflux
  • Linx device, which is a ring of magnetic beads that helps keep the LES closed

Complications of Heartburn

If left untreated, heartburn can lead to complications such as:

• Esophagitis, which is inflammation of the esophagus
• Stricture, which is a narrowing of the esophagus due to scarring
• Barrett's esophagus, which is a precancerous condition where the lining of the esophagus changes
• Esophageal cancer, which is a rare but serious complication of chronic acid reflux

Prevention of Heartburn

To prevent heartburn, it is recommended to:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid trigger foods and drinks
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Not lie down after eating
• Raise the head of the bed by 6-8 inches
• Quit smoking or avoid secondhand smoke
• Avoid tight clothing that can put pressure on the stomach