Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone.
The cause of this annoying sensation is stomach acid content in the esophagus. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or bending over.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heartburn include:
- A burning pain in the chest that usually occurs after eating and may occur at night;
- Pain that worsens when lying down or bending over;
- Bitter or acidic taste in the mouth;
When to see a doctor
Seek immediate help if you experience severe chest pain or pressure, especially when combined with other signs and symptoms such as pain in the arm or jaw or difficulty breathing. Chest pain may be a symptom of a heart attack.
Make an appointment with your doctor if:
- Heartburn occurs more than twice a week;
- Symptoms persist despite use of over-the-counter medications;
- You have difficulty swallowing;
- You have persistent nausea or vomiting;
- You have weight loss because of poor appetite or difficulty eating;
Your doctor will prescribe a course of heartburn treatment.
Certain foods and drinks can trigger heartburn in some people, including: fatty or fried foods, spicy foods, onions, citrus products, tomato products, such as ketchup, peppermint, chocolate, alcohol, coffee or other caffeinated beverages.
Being overweight or pregnant also can increase your risk of experiencing heartburn.
Heartburn that occurs frequently and interferes with your routine is considered gastroesophageal reflux disease
To determine if heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, endoscopic and radiological examinations are prescribed.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20373223
