Understanding and Managing Heartburn: Symptoms, Causes, and Relief Strategies
Heartburn FAQ
What are the symptoms of heartburn?
Heartburn symptoms can range from mild discomfort to extremely uncomfortable, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The most common symptom of heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest and throat. What does heartburn feel like?
Is heartburn a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Heartburn is often a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Many studies have shown a link between genes and GERD, including several twins studies and a family study. All showed that genetics played a role, but we still need more research to know for sure how genes are involved.
Can stomach acids cause heartburn?
Stomach acids can irritate the esophagus and cause symptoms of heartburn. This condition is known as reflux. Certain conditions and other factors may make it more likely for you to experience heartburn. Risk factors include: Hiatal hernia.
What is the difference between a heart attack and heartburn?
The biggest difference is a heart attack usually feels like tightening and pressure in your chest, while heartburn feels more like burning. Acid reflux is the issue with your LES muscle that lets stomach acid back up into your esophagus. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. Heartburn and indigestion are not the same.
How long do heartburn symptoms last?
Heartburn can affect people differently. In general, heartburn symptoms begin shortly after eating and can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours, or even longer. How long you experience symptoms depends on the underlying cause. It also depends on what you do at the first sign of symptoms.
What causes heartburn in the esophagus?
Heartburn typically occurs when contents from the stomach back up into the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube that carries food and fluids from the mouth into the stomach. Your esophagus connects to your stomach at a juncture known as the lower esophageal sphincter.
What does heartburn feel like?
Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or bending over. Occasional heartburn is common and no cause for alarm. Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn on their own with lifestyle changes and nonprescription medications.
What causes heartburn if you eat a lot?
Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux). If it keeps happening, it may be called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Symptoms are often worse after eating, when lying down and when bending over. Lots of people get heartburn from time to time.
Heartburn References
If you want to know more about Heartburn, consider exploring links below:
What Is Heartburn
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20373223
- https://www.healthline.com/health/heartburn
Heartburn Information
- https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/gastro-oesophageal-reflux-disease-gord
- https://patient.info/digestive-health/acid-reflux-and-oesophagitis
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heartburn
- https://gutscharity.org.uk/advice-and-information/symptoms/heartburn-and-reflux/
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