Heartburn, sometimes called acid indigestion, occurs when digestive acids escape the stomach and travel up the tube that leads from the stomach to the mouth (the esophagus). These acids cause irritation in the lining of the esophagus and typically produce a burning sensation. Heartburn is a common condition that, according to the results of a Gallup poll, affects approximately 41 percent of Americans each month. Below are some of the signs and symptoms of heartburn.
Common Heartburn Symptoms
Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, just behind the breastbone. Acid traveling up from the stomach irritates the esophagus and can leave a bitter or acidic taste in the mouth. Some people may complain of feeling like food or liquid is stuck and coming back up the esophagus (food pipe). Symptoms of heartburn are typically worse after overeating, after eating spicy, fatty or highly acidic foods, or after consuming caffeinated beverages or alcohol. Lying down often worsens symptoms of burning and pain as well.
Chronic Heartburn and Unusual Symptoms
The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders cautions that chronic symptoms of heartburn may be a sign of a more serious digestive disorder called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is a chronic condition that occurs when there is a backflow of stomach acid (or sometimes bile) into the esophagus because the muscle between the stomach and esophagus does not close properly. This is commonly known as acid reflux. Chronic heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. Individuals may be likely to have GERD if they display symptoms such as heartburn occurring more than once a week, a burning in the back of the mouth or throat, frequent burping, heartburn that occurs mostly in the evening or wakes you from sleep, or heartburn accompanied by painful or difficult swallowing. Other symptoms to look out for include severe bouts of heartburn, regurgitation of sour or bitter tasting fluid in the mouth or back of the throat, nausea, occasional fullness in the upper abdomen, or symptoms that worsen after bending over, lying down, or eating.
Some adults and children under the age of 12 may experience other unusual symptoms that may be confused with heartburn, but are more likely potential signs of GERD. These include a dry cough, asthma-like symptoms and difficulty swallowing.
Distinguishing Heartburn Symptoms
Heartburn symptoms can sometimes be confused with symptoms of a heart attack. There are some distinguishing symptoms of heartburn that can help rule out a heart attack. For example, heartburn pain is usually below the breastbone, whereas a heart attack causes pressure, pain or fullness in the chest. Unlike a heart attack, heartburn also rarely causes pain that moves to the neck, back, arm, or jaw. The situations that may produce symptoms are also different. Where heartburn usually occurs after meals or when lying down, heart attacks typically occur with exercise or exertion. Heartburn symptoms may also be distinguished from heart attack because they are usually alleviated with antacids, and they are rarely accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or cold sweats. If you are ever in doubt about whether you may be experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 and seek emergency medical help.
