Stomach pain with a burning sensation in the esophagus is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This condition results from the backflow of acid from the stomach to the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth with the stomach. One of the causes of gastroesophageal reflux is the consumption of caffeine-containing products, like chocolate.
What Is Acid Reflux?
The main cause of acid reflux is weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter. This band of muscle surrounds the part of the esophagus closest to the stomach. When food goes from the esophagus into the stomach, the lower esophageal sphincter tightens, preventing the backflow of acid. Weakness of this muscle allows stomach acid to go back into the esophagus, causing the symptoms of reflux. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, reflux is fairly common, but when it occurs more than twice a week, it is considered GERD.
Causes
There are several lifestyle factors that contribute to the development of reflux and GERD. These include obesity and smoking. Pregnancy can also lead to the development of reflux. Other factors include ingestion of certain foods, such as spicy dishes, citrus fruits and juices, alcoholic beverages and caffeine-containing products such as chocolate. Caffeine weakens the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to reflux and the symptoms of GERD.
Symptoms
The main symptom of reflux and GERD is heartburn, the burning sensation in the chest that can spread to the throat and the back of the mouth. According to the MayoClinic.com, other symptoms of reflux include chest pain, difficulty swallowing, sore throat and regurgitation into the mouth. GERD can also cause sour smell and, in the long term, loss of enamel in the teeth. Complications of long-standing GERD include inflammation of the esophagus, or esophagitis that can lead to ulcers and bleeding, and Barrett's esophagus, which changes the appearance of the esophagus and can predispose to esophageal cancer.
Treatment and Prevention
The initial treatment includes lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation and decreasing the consumption of chocolate and other caffeine-containing products. Medical treatment includes drugs like H-2 blockers that decrease acid production; over-the-counter antacids to neutralize stomach acid; and proton-pump inhibitors to decrease acid production and also help heal esophageal irritation.
