Heartburn: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Home Remedies

Summary: Heartburn is a common digestive issue that causes a burning sensation in the chest and throat, often triggered by spicy foods, overeating, pregnancy, or lifestyle habits. While occasional discomfort is normal, frequent heartburn may indicate acid reflux or GERD. Effective heartburn treatment includes lifestyle changes, medications, and home remedies like drinking cold milk, chewing gum, and eating bananas. For persistent symptoms, consulting a gastroenterologist can help determine the best long-term solution.

Have you ever experienced a discomfort or burning sensation in your chest after a meal? That is heartburn! Heartburn is a common digestive issue that causes a burning sensation in the chest and throat, usually after eating or lying down. While occasional heartburn is normal, frequent episodes may indicate an underlying condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

In this blog post, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for heartburn and recommend lifestyle changes to prevent it.

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn happens when stomach acid flows back into your food pipe, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat. It often happens after eating or while lying down. Although its name suggests otherwise, heartburn isn’t related to the heart at all! Most people get heartburn once in a while, but if it happens too often, it might be a sign of acid reflux or GERD.

Heartburn Symptoms

Heartburn symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe burning pain. Here are the most common signs:

• Burning Sensation in the Chest: A painful, burning feeling in the chest, especially after eating or at night.

• Sour or Bitter Taste in the Mouth: Acid from the stomach can rise into the throat, leaving a sour, unpleasant taste.

• Regurgitation: A feeling that food or liquid is coming back up into the throat or mouth.

• Chronic Cough or Sore Throat: Stomach acid irritating the throat can lead to a persistent cough or hoarseness.

• Difficulty Swallowing: Acid reflux can cause swelling in the esophagus, making swallowing painful or difficult.

• Excessive Burping or Bloating: Feeling gassy or bloated can be linked to acid reflux and heartburn.

• Worsening Symptoms at Night: Lying down can make acid reflux worse, leading to discomfort and disrupted sleep.

If you experience frequent heartburn, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, or trouble swallowing, consult a gastroenterologist near you.

Are Heartburn and Acid Reflux the Same?

According to the leading Gastroenterologist in Gurgaon at Miracles Apollo Cradle/Spectra, many people use the terms heartburn and acid reflux interchangeably, but they are not the same.

Heartburn is a symptom, not a condition. It refers to the burning sensation in your chest caused by stomach acid irritating the esophagus.

Acid reflux is a condition that causes heartburn. It occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe due to a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the valve that normally keeps acid in the stomach.

If heartburn happens frequently, it could be a sign of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), which is a chronic acid reflux condition that requires medical attention.

Why Does Heartburn Occur?

Several factors can trigger this uncomfortable condition. The most common  Heartburn Causes include:

1. Eating Certain Foods: Some foods weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve that keeps stomach acid in place, leading to acid reflux. Common triggers include:

• Spicy and greasy foods

• Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits

• Tomatoes and tomato-based products like ketchup, sauces, etc.

• Chocolate

• Caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and soda

• Alcohol

• Carbonated drinks like soft drinks, energy drinks, etc.

2. Overeating or Eating Too Fast: A full stomach puts pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), forcing acid back into the esophagus. Eating large or too fast can worsen heartburn.

3. Lying Down After Eating: Gravity helps keep stomach acid in place. If you lie down immediately after eating, acid can easily flow back up.

4. Obesity & Excess Belly Fat: Carrying extra weight increases pressure on the stomach, pushing acid into the esophagus.

5. Pregnancy & Heartburn: During pregnancy, hormonal changes relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and the growing baby presses against the stomach, making heartburn more common.

6. Smoking: Nicotine weakens the LES and increases stomach acid production, making smokers more prone to heartburn.

7. Medications: Certain medicines can relax the LES or irritate the stomach lining, triggering heartburn. These include:

•  Painkillers 

•  Blood pressure medications

•  Certain antibiotics

•  Antidepressants

8. Stress & Anxiety: Stress doesn’t directly cause heartburn, but it can increase stomach acid production and make symptoms worse.

9. Hiatal Hernia: A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through the diaphragm, weakening the LES and causing acid reflux.

10. Drinking Too Much Liquid with Meals: Too much liquid while eating can overfill the stomach, increasing pressure and leading to reflux.

Why Does Heartburn Occur During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women are more likely to experience heartburn due to two main reasons. First, hormonal changes during pregnancy relax the LES, making it easier for stomach acid to flow back up. Second, as the baby grows, it puts pressure on the stomach, forcing acid into the esophagus.

What Does Heartburn Feel Like?

Heartburn can feel different for everyone, but the most common sensations include the following:

• A burning pain in the chest, usually after eating or when lying down.

• A sour or bitter taste in the mouth.

• A feeling of food or liquid coming back up the throat.

• Pain that worsens when bending over or lying flat.

Because heartburn pain occurs in the chest, many people worry they are having a heart attack.

Can Heartburn Cause a Heart Attack?

Heartburn itself does not cause a heart attack, but its symptoms can feel similar, which is often confusing. Heartburn pain usually starts in the chest and moves up to the throat. It is more likely to happen after eating or when lying down and typically improves with antacids. A heart attack, on the other hand, causes intense pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest. The pain may radiate to the left arm, jaw, or back and is often accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or sweating. If you are unsure whether your chest pain is from heartburn or something more serious, seek medical help immediately. It is always better to be safe.

How to Diagnose Heartburn?

If heartburn becomes frequent or severe, a doctor may recommend the following tests:

• Endoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted into the esophagus to check for inflammation or damage.

• pH Monitoring: A device measures acid levels in the esophagus over 24 hours.

• Barium Swallow Test: X-rays are taken after drinking a contrast liquid to assess reflux.

• Esophageal Manometry: Measures esophageal muscle function.

How to Treat Heartburn?

Heartburn can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and natural remedies.

Lifestyle Changes

• Eat smaller meals and chew food thoroughly.

• Avoid foods that trigger heartburn.

• Remain in an upright position for at least two to three hours after meals.

• Lose excess weight if needed.

• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

Heartburn Medicine

• Antacids like Tums and Rolaids provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid.

• H2 blockers like Pepcid and Zantac reduce acid production and provide longer-lasting relief.

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Omeprazole and Pantoprazole block acid production and are used for severe cases of GERD.

If lifestyle changes and medications do not work, doctors may recommend surgical options like fundoplication, which strengthens the LES to prevent acid reflux.

Which Heartburn Medicine is Safe During Pregnancy?

Not all heartburn medications are safe for pregnant women. It is important to consult a gastroenterologist before taking any medication.

Antacids like Tums and Rolaids are generally safe, but those containing aluminum or sodium bicarbonate should be avoided. H2 blockers like Famotidine (Pepcid) are sometimes recommended by doctors for more severe cases.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor. Aspirin-containing antacids should be avoided during pregnancy.

Heartburn Cure at Home: Natural Remedies That Work

Heartburn can be frustrating, but you don’t always need medication to get relief. Several home remedies can help ease the burning sensation and prevent acid reflux naturally.

• Drink Cold Milk: Milk helps neutralize stomach acid and provides instant relief from heartburn. The cool temperature soothes the burning sensation in the esophagus. However, full-fat milk can sometimes make symptoms worse, so it’s best to opt for low-fat or skim milk.

• Try Ginger Tea: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help improve digestion and reduce acidity. Drinking warm ginger tea can soothe the stomach and prevent acid reflux. You can make ginger tea by boiling a few slices of fresh ginger in water for 5-10 minutes and drinking it warm.

• Eat Bananas: Bananas act as a natural antacid because they are rich in potassium, which helps reduce stomach acid levels. Eating a ripe banana can provide quick relief from mild heartburn symptoms. Other alkaline fruits like melons and pears can also help.

• Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing gum increases saliva production, which helps wash down stomach acid and neutralize it. It also stimulates swallowing, which can clear acid from the esophagus more quickly.Opt for sugar-free gum to limit your sugar consumption.

• Munch on Almonds: Some people find relief from heartburn by eating a handful of almonds. Almonds are rich in healthy fats and fiber, which may help absorb excess stomach acid. Eating a few raw, unsalted almonds after a meal might prevent acid reflux.

• Drink Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera has natural soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with acid reflux. Consuming a small amount of aloe vera juice before meals may help reduce heartburn. However, make sure to choose aloe vera juice that is labeled safe for consumption and free from added sugars.

• Apple Cider Vinegar (Diluted in Water): Although it might seem strange to drink something acidic for heartburn, apple cider vinegar can help balance stomach acid levels. Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with lukewarm water and drink it before meals. However, this remedy may not work for everyone, so try it in small amounts.

• Sleep with Your Head Elevated: If you often get heartburn at night, try sleeping with your head slightly raised. Using a wedge pillow or raising the head of your bed by a few inches can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.

• Stay Hydrated with Water: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps flush out excess acid and keeps digestion smooth. However, avoid drinking too much water with meals, as it can dilute stomach acid and slow digestion.

• Avoid Tight Clothing: Wearing tight belts, high-waisted pants, or tight tops can put extra pressure on your stomach, pushing acid into the esophagus. Choose loose, comfortable clothing to prevent heartburn.

How to Get the Best Results?

While these home remedies can provide relief, they work best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. Avoid eating late at night, maintain a balanced diet, and manage stress levels to prevent recurring heartburn.

If heartburn persists despite trying natural remedies, it may be time to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion:

Heartburn is a common but manageable condition. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help prevent discomfort and long-term complications. Simple lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, and medical treatments can provide relief.

If you experience frequent heartburn, consult a gastroenterologist near you at Miracles Healthcare to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

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