Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and causes a painful feeling in the chest or throat. It happens because a muscle valve, called the lower esophageal sphincter, does not work properly, Medical News Today explains. The valve normally opens when people swallow food and closes to block any stomach backup. A weakened valve allows for the acid reflux. Some people have heartburn occasionally. People with frequent heartburn may suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD. Knowing the causes helps to avoid heartburn symptoms.
Medications
Many different medications can cause or worsen heartburn, according to Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health. Some of these medications include beta blockers for high blood pressure or heart disease, calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure, sedatives for insomnia or anxiety, some antidepressants, certain bronchodilators for asthma and progestin for birth control or abnormal bleeding. Medline Plus cautions patients to continue taking such medications until talking with a doctor, despite the heartburn symptom, because they may be prescribed to combat a life-threatening condition. Aspirin and ibuprofen may also worsen heartburn.
Food Triggers
Overeating is often a culprit in heartburn, but certain foods play a role. Specific foods may bother certain people, who need to find their own triggers. Many foods mentioned include fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, tomato-based products, onions, citrus fruits, fat dairy products, chocolate, peppermint, caffeine, carbonated beverages and alcohol. Lying down too soon after eating leads to heartburn, notes FamilyDoctor.org, the website of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Wait two to three hours after a meal before lying down.
Lifestyle Causes
Smoking causes frequent heartburn because the chemicals weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, Medline Plus points out. Being overweight or obese increases abdominal pressure and pushes stomach acid contents into the esophagus. Losing weight can reduce or eliminate frequent heartburn. Pregnancy can cause or worsen heartburn, but it usually ends shortly after delivery. People who suffer from heartburn in the middle of the night need to raise their upper body while sleeping. They can use wooden blocks under the bedposts at the head of the bed to raise it about 6 inches. The chest and head need to be raised to avoid heartburn.
Hiatal Hernia
People who have a hiatal hernia are more likely to suffer from heartburn. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes upward into the chest cavity, according to Medline Plus. The condition weakens the lower esophageal sphincter and causes heartburn from stomach acid reflux.
