What Is Heartburn?

What Is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a common condition characterized by a persistent burning pain behind the breastbone. It often occurs after eating and can make breathing and drinking difficult. Heartburn can be alleviated through the use of prescription medications such as famotidine. In the following 3-minute article we answer the questions what is heartburn, what causes heartburn, and what does heartburn feel like. 

What Is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning pain in the chest, usually just behind the breastbone. In serious cases, the pain from heartburn can also migrate upwards towards the neck and throat. Pain from heartburn is often the worst after eating or when lying down. While occasional heartburn is usually no cause for concern, persistent heartburn may be a symptom of a serious underlying condition. 

Heartburn often occurs after you swallow food. After food enters the stomach, a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter closes to keep the food in. Sometimes, the lower esophageal sphincter does not work properly, causing food and stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. 

What Causes Heartburn?

The most prevalent cause of heartburn is the consumption of foods that irritate the esophagus and stomach. Spicy and sour foods such as salsa and certain peppers are thought to be common causes of heartburn. Other sources of heartburn include medications like aspirin and ibuprofen, which affect how prostaglandins—lipids that help heal injuries— protect the esophagus. 

Heartburn During Pregnancy 

Heartburn is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms in pregnant women, affecting between 17% and 45% of pregnant women. In some studies, the prevalence of heartburn has been shown to increase from 22% in the first trimester to 39% in the second trimester to as high as 72% in the third trimester. 

Hormonal changes during pregnancy are thought to be the main cause of heartburn in pregnant women. These hormonal shifts can make the valve at the entrance to the stomach relax so that it doesn't close as it should. This lets acidic stomach contents move up into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn. Some women also experience heartburn as their child grows and presses against their stomach.

What Does Heartburn Feel Like?  

Most people with heartburn report feeling an uncomfortable or burning sensation in the chest, usually just behind the breastbone. Other reported symptoms of heartburn include a feeling that food is stuck in the chest, a sour taste at the back of the throat, and discomfort that only worsens after eating. Many of the signs of heartburn are similar to those of acid reflux and indigestion. Heartburn, however, does not always occur as a result of acid reflux. 

Heartburn Relief 

Mild cases of heartburn can be effectively treated through the use of home remedies. Frequent heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may require prescription medications. The most popular type of medication for heartburn is known as an histamine-2 (H2) blocker. These medications stop the acid-producing cells in the stomach from responding to histamines, chemicals in your immune system that instigate bodily reactions. 

Home Remedies for Heartburn 

In cases where prescription medication is not easily accessible, home remedies can temporarily improve heartburn symptoms. The effectiveness of the following heartburn remedies may vary per person. Popular, reputable home remedies for heartburn include apple cider vinegar, chewing gum, aloe vera, peppermint, and baking soda. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Swallowing a tablespoon or less of apple cider vinegar once per day may improve heartburn symptoms. Experts recommend mixing the vinegar with water to make it more palpable. 

Baking Soda

When mixed with water, a small amount of baking soda can reduce your stomach’s acidity level. Experts recommend adding no more than a ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water once a day to help relieve heartburn 

Chewing Gum

The act of chewing gum can reduce inflammation and irritation in the esophagus. This is because chewing gum makes your saliva more alkaline, which can help neutralize the acidity of stomach contents. 

Food That Helps Heartburn 

Foods high in fiber and water content are known to provide heartburn relief by dissolving and absorbing stomach acid. Eating watery foods such as watermelon, celery, lettuce, cucumber, and herbal tea is thought to help dilute and weaken stomach acid. Alkaline foods with higher ph levels can also help prevent heartburn by mitigating the effects of stomach acid. Popular, accessible alkaline foods include cauliflower, melons, bananas, fennel, and various nuts. 

What Is Heartburn?: Summary 

Heartburn, also known as pyrosis, cardialgia or acid indigestion, is a burning sensation in the central chest or upper central abdomen. Heartburn often flares up after eating, drinking, or lying down. 

Heartburn may be relieved by consuming baking soda and apple cider vinegar. Prescription medications known as H-2 blockers can also be used to relieve heartburn. 

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