At one time or another, almost everyone has experienced heartburn. About 25 million Americans will suffer daily from heartburn and acid indigestion, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. This is a burning sensation that can be felt directly behind the breastbone and sometimes up into the neck and throat. Occasional heartburn is nothing to cause concern, but when experienced on a regular basis, you should consult your primary care physician to prevent chronic irritation of the lining of the esophagus.
Anatomy
When you eat, food is chewed in your mouth and then passes down a tube that is approximately 10-inches long. This tube, which is called the esophagus, leads into the stomach. Between the esophagus and stomach is an opening controlled by a strong muscle called a sphincter. Usually, this sphincter will close as soon as food passes through it. However, sometimes it becomes weak and doesn't close all the way. This allows stomach acid to leak through the opening and into the esophagus. This stomach acid causes irritation, heartburn and acid indigestion. The sphincter can become weak if you suffer from obesity and chronically overeat and distend the stomach. It an also occur because of an increase in stomach acid secretion.
Acid Reflux vs. GERD
Although acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux are closely related, the terms are not necessarily interchangeable. Acid reflux is the flow of stomach acid into the esophagus during which you may taste regurgitated food or sour liquid in the back of your mouth. It can also lead to a burning sensation in your chest. Gastroesophageal reflux is a more severe form of acid indigestion and results in frequent heartburn, chest pain, coughing and difficulty swallowing, especially while lying down. Occasional acid reflux can be alleviated with some lifestyle modifications, but gastroesophageal reflux may require both lifestyle modifications and medication.
Indigestion
Indigestion is a condition in which you experience discomfort in your upper abdomen. This is not a disease process but rather is a collection of symptoms that include bloating, belching and nausea. If you suffer from chronic indigestion, you will usually feel full early in the meal, or feel an uncomfortable fullness that lasts longer than normal after eating. You may also experience an uncomfortable heat or burning sensation between the breastbone and the navel but will not experience a burning sensation in the back of the mouth or the taste of regurgitated food or sour liquid, which commonly occur with acid reflux.
Common Reflux Triggers
There usually are specific foods or situations that trigger acid reflux. However, there are foods and lifestyle choices that increase the risk you will experience heartburn and acid reflux if you are already prone to it. These trigger foods can include coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, tomato products, chocolates, fatty foods, onions and certain medications, such as sedatives or ibuprofen. Lifestyle choices that can make acid reflux worse include smoking cigarettes, obesity and lying down too soon after eating.
