What is heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning sensation that rises from the stomach or lower chest into the throat. Occasionally it can feel like food is coming back up and some people have a sour or bitter taste in the back of the mouth. Heartburn can last for several hours and is usually worse after eating, or when lying down or bending over. Heartburn is the most common symptom of reflux.

1. Digestive Health Foundation, Australian Gastroenterological Society. Gastroesophageal reflux disease in adults. Guidelines for physicians. 3rd edition, September 2001.

What is reflux?

Reflux occurs when acid in the stomach, which is there to help you digest food, rises up into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach), causing pain, irritation, and discomfort.

For some people, the pain of heartburn is the only symptom experienced; others may have a variety of symptoms. Other common reflux symptoms include:

excessive burping

regurgitation (when fluid or food goes back into the mouth)

sudden filling of the mouth with saliva

difficulty to swallow

throat pain

persistent dry cough

chest pain (if you experience chest pain, contact your doctor immediately).

Do you have any of these symptoms 2 or more days a week? Take control of heartburn.

What causes reflux?

Normally, a ring of muscle (the lower esophageal sphincter) prevents stomach contents from moving up into the esophagus. This acts like a one-way valve, allowing food to go into the stomach but not out the same way. Sometimes this valve doesn’t work properly, allowing stomach acid to go up into the esophagus. Unlike your stomach, your esophagus does not have a protective lining, so when exposed to acid it can become irritated and painful.

If reflux occurs frequently, it can cause inflammation and even ulceration of your esophagus, which may need to be treated by your doctor (see How serious is it?).

Some of the following things can make your heartburn or other reflux symptoms worse.

food

Certain types of food, such as fatty or spicy foods, can trigger heartburn. Large meals can increase pressure in the stomach, which makes acid rise more easily. Lying down soon after eating also allows acid to enter the esophagus more easily.

The pregnancy

Increased pressure on the stomach from the baby can increase the risk of heartburn.

tuxedo

Smoking can aggravate heartburn in some people.

obesity

Excess weight puts additional pressure on the stomach.

wear tight clothing

Tight waistbands or belts can put extra pressure on the stomach.

crouched down

Bending over allows stomach acid to enter your esophagus more easily.

Medicine

Some medications can aggravate heartburn; for example, some of the anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to treat arthritis, pain, or inflammation.

If you have heartburn, ask your doctor about the medicines you are taking.

How bad is it?

Most people experience reflux from time to time, but some experience it more regularly. If you experience heartburn or other reflux symptoms more than twice a week, or if your heartburn interferes with your daily life, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can have a significant impact on quality of life and can damage the esophagus if not treated properly.

If you have GERD, refluxed stomach acid can inflame and damage the lining of your esophagus. It is not possible to tell from your symptoms whether or not you have damage to your esophagus. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor if you experience symptoms more than twice a week. If left untreated, GERD can also lead to more serious complications. Fortunately, many of these complications can be avoided with proper management.

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