Heartburn produces a burning sensation in the chest from stomach acid that flows back up into the esophagus. Sometimes a sour taste is experienced in the back of the throat. Heartburn occurs because the lower esophageal sphincter, which normally allows food and liquid into the stomach from the esophagus, doesn't function properly and leads to the acid reflux backup, explains the Mayo Clinic. Certain foods, physical actions and disorders are among the causes of heartburn.
Dietary Triggers
Overeating is a common cause of heartburn, according to FamilyDoctor.org, the website of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Foods affect individuals in different ways, so some people may have their own particular triggers. Fatty or spicy foods, tomato products, chocolate, mints, garlic, onions, citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, coffee and alcohol are often mentioned as causes. Many people can reduce heartburn by avoiding the foods they discover cause the symptoms.
Lifestyle Factors
Being overweight or obese triggers heartburn, FamilyDoctor.org notes. Extra pounds put pressure on the abdomen and cause stomach acid backup. Cigarette smoking also increases heartburn symptoms because it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Smoking also reduces the production of saliva, which helps prevent heartburn. Lying down or going to sleep too soon after a meal can cause heartburn. People should wait at least two to three hours before lying down after eating. Heartburn during sleep can be avoided by keeping the upper body raised. Raising the bedposts 6 to 8 inches with wooden blocks often helps. Extra pillows, however, do not raise the upper body effectively enough to prevent stomach acid from flowing back up. Wearing tight-fitting clothes or belts puts pressure on the abdomen, which promotes heartburn. Stress can also increase heartburn symptoms, says the Cleveland Clinic.
Medical Reasons
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a serious form of heartburn that occurs more than twice a week, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Left untreated, it can damage the esophagus. Medication helps reduce stomach acid production and heal the esophagus. Another medical cause of heartburn is hiatal hernia, in which part of the stomach around the esophagus entrance moves up into the chest, the Cleveland Clinic explains. Pregnancy can also increase heartburn symptoms, but functioning usually returns to normal shortly after delivery. Aspirin and ibuprofen cause heartburn in some people. Certain sedatives, medicines for high blood pressure and anti-inflammatory drugs may cause heartburn.
