Heartburn is a burning discomfort in the chest or throat that happens when stomach acid comes into contact with the esophagus. Symptoms of heartburn vary with each person but treatments are widely available and successful.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of heartburn is the burning sensation in the chest region that worsens when bending over or lying down.
Complications
Heartburn that occurs too frequently can be diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the Mayo Clinic notes. This chronic digestive disease can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications.
Doctor Visit
The Mayo Clinic recommends that individuals see a doctor if there's severe chest pain, the heartburn occurs more than twice a week or the heartburn continues even after taking over the-counter medication.
Drug Treatments
Heartburn can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as Rolaids or Tums that are designed to reduce stomach acid and heal the esophagus.
LIfestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes that can help treat or prevent heartburn include weight loss, quitting smoking, avoiding trigger foods such as spicy or salty foods, and eating smaller meals.
