The burning feeling in the upper chest or throat, known as heartburn, happens to many people on occasion. Stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus because of acid reflux. The symptoms usually occur following a large meal or eating certain foods that affect particular people. Some people have bad heartburn symptoms that occur too often. Doctors can treat serious symptoms and advise patients on ways to avoid future problems.
Chest Pain
Severe chest pain from heartburn causes some sufferers to believe they are having a heart attack. Sometimes, patients need to undergo medical testing to find out if severe heartburn or heart disease is causing the problem, according to Cleveland Clinic. Heartburn often begins with a burning or painful sensation in the chest. It may happen after eating a meal, lying down or bending over. Some people feel fullness in the middle of the chest as if food becomes stuck there. Signs of heart disease or heart attack, however, may also include shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure that worsens, light-headedness, or breaking out in a cold sweat. Heartburn often responds to antacids.
Regurgitation
The acid backup that causes heartburn may result in a bitter or acidic taste in the back of the throat or mouth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other stomach contents may also rise into the throat. In rare cases, forced vomiting may occur. If acid regurgitation happens often over a long period of time, it can eventually damage and inflame the esophagus. Heartburn symptoms may continue for weeks or months if not treated, Medical News Today notes. The damage regurgitation causes can even lead to esophageal cancer. Doctors can prescribe strong medication to reduce acid reflux and provide dietary information to avoid heartburn.
Frequent Acid Reflux
Acid reflux that occurs more than twice a week indicates gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Adults usually experience frequent heartburn when they have GERD. Some children may not have heartburn, but they may experience a dry cough or difficulty swallowing. The reflux disease may occur because of a weakened esophageal muscle that normally prevents acid backup into the esophagus. Prescription medication can reduce acid production in the stomach and even heal a damaged esophagus. Doctors may recommend surgery to strengthen the esophageal muscle for some patients. A hiatal hernia, in which a part of the stomach moves into the chest, may also result in frequent acid reflux.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Heartburn Symptoms
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Heartburn-Introduction
- Medical News Today: What Is Heartburn? What Causes Heartburn?
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC): Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
