Acid indigestion, also called heartburn, causes a burning sensation in the chest and throat when acid reflux occurs, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Food or fluid can result in a bitter or sour taste in the back of the mouth at times. Many people suffer from acid indigestion occasionally. Acid reflux that happens more than twice a week indicates gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, a more serious condition.
Function
A weakened muscle valve in the esophagus causes acid indigestion. The valve, called the lower esophageal sphincter, usually opens when food enters the stomach and then closes to prevent digestive juices from flowing back up into the esophagus. The valve may not close properly and allow stomach contents to back up through the esophagus and into the throat, causing the heartburn in the chest and throat, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains. The pain may be felt in the mid-chest behind the breastbone and in the abdomen.
Causes
A hiatal hernia may increase the likelihood of acid indigestion. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach moves into the chest cavity. This can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter to allow stomach acid to rise up into the esophagus, according to MedlinePlus. Obesity, pregnancy and smoking can increase the risk of acid indigestion. Certain medications also cause heartburn or worsen the symptoms. They include beta blockers for high blood pressure and heart disease, some bronchodilators for asthma, progestin for menstrual bleeding, sedatives, and tricyclic antidepressants.
Triggers
A number of foods and beverages may trigger or worsen acid indigestion. Some of the offenders include spicy or fatty foods, tomato-based products, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, caffeine, and alcohol, according to MedlinePlus. Certain foods may trigger acid indigestion for some people. They usually need to go through the process of finding out what foods bring on their heartburn and avoiding those foods or eliminating them from the diet.
Prevention/Solution
Eating smaller meals can reduce or relieve acid indigestion, according to MedlinePlus. Avoiding meals two to three hours before bedtime prevents stomach acid backup in the middle of the night. People who suffer heartburn during sleep can avoid the problem by raising the head of the bed about six inches with wooden blocks under the bedposts. Extra pillows do not work, because the chest and head need to be raised. Reducing stress helps avoid heartburn. Losing weight, if needed, also helps reduce or eliminate acid indigestion.
Treatments
Over-the-counter antacids can relieve occasional acid indigestion. Antacids bring quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid. Longer-lasting medications, called H-2 receptors, decrease the production of stomach acid. Another type of medication, proton pump inhibitors, stops stomach acid production and helps heal the esophagus. Both H-2 receptors and proton pump inhibitors are available over the counter or by prescription. People with frequent acid indigestion may have GERD and should consult a doctor to avoid esophageal damage. Prescription medication and changes in the diet usually help people with GERD. For some patients, surgery can strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent acid reflux.
