Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that often occurs when a sufferer is lying down or bending over. According to the National Institutes of Health, If heartburn occurs more than twice a week it is considered to be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Occasional heartburn is common for most people, while more frequent heartburn that interferes with daily living may be a symptom of something more serious and may require assistance from a physician.
Chest Pain
The main symptom of heartburn is a burning pain in the lower part of the mid-chest behind the breast bone and in the mid-abdomen area. The burning pain in the chest typically occurs after eating a meal, often occurs at night.
Esophagitis
Refluxed stomach acid can inflame and damage the esophageal lining and cause bleeding or ulcers. This is referred to as esophagitis. Over time, the esophageal lining cell damage can lead to more serious conditions such as esophageal cancer.
Difficulty Swallowing
Scars from tissue damage due to refluxed stomach acid can lead to strictures or narrowing of the esophagus. This can make swallowing difficult, which could lead to other conditions such as weight loss or malnutrition due to the inability to consume adequate nutrition.
Barrett's Esophagus
Some heartburn sufferers may develop Barrett's Esophagus, a condition in which esophageal lining cells take on abnormal shape and color. In Barrett's Esophagus, the esophageal tissue lining is replaced by tissue similar to the lining of the intestine (intestinal metaplasia). Barrett's esophagus does not present symptoms, but it is commonly found in people with GERD.
Esophageal Cancer
Precancerous cells may be present Barrett's tissue before esophageal cancer develops. This condition is called dysplasia, can be seen only through biopsy, and is not always detected until its later stages. People with Barrett's Esophagus have some risk of developing a kind of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), less than one percent of people with Barrett's Esophagus develop esophageal adenocarcinoma each year.
