Severe heartburn usually calls for an examination by a physician if over-the-counter medication or lifestyle changes bring no relief. A burning or painful sensation in the upper chest and throat, heartburn occurs to many people once in a while, but people with chronic bouts of heartburn might have symptoms more than twice a week. Severe heartburn can interfere with quality of life, though medicine, dietary changes or surgery in some cases often relieves the disorder.
Effects
Heartburn originates from a valve-like muscle in the esophagus that does not close tightly after opening to allow food or beverages into the stomach. When contents enter the stomach, the muscle normally closes to prevent stomach acid backup. If the valve does not shut tightly, the acid reflux that produces heartburn results. Sometimes the bitter taste of acid contents can be tasted in the back of the mouth or throat.
Function
A permanently weakened esophageal muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, causes frequent episodes of heartburn known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. The disorder can lead to more serious health problems, including damage to the esophagus, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Other underlying causes of frequent or severe heartburn include gastritis or inflammation of the stomach lining, peptic ulcer, and hiatal hernia, a condition that pushes part of the stomach into the chest.
Pressure
Being overweight or obese might contribute to severe heartburn because of pressure on the abdomen that can push up stomach contents. Pregnancy also increases the risk of frequent heartburn. Smoking contributes to heartburn by reducing the amount of saliva that helps prevent acid reflux and relaxing the esophageal muscle to increase episodes of heartburn. Stress or tension also can trigger heartburn, HealthScout notes.
Dietary Considerations
Eating large meals or certain foods frequently causes severe heartburn. People can eat smaller meals or eliminate offending foods from their diet to prevent heartburn. Foods that commonly cause heartburn include citrus fruits, tomato-based products, fatty or fried foods, onions, chocolate, mints and peppermints, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Coffee, carbonated beverages and alcohol increase the risk of heartburn. Some sedatives and medications for high blood pressure can cause heartburn.
Prevention/Solution
Frequent or severe heartburn might not cause serious problems if over-the-counter antacids, medications to prevent stomach acid production or stronger prescription drugs reduce or eliminate symptoms. Doctors also recommend eliminating foods that cause heartburn. If those remedies do not work, surgery might be required to strengthen the esophageal muscle.
