Heartburn is a common ailment that affects individuals of all ages and is often not a cause for concern. Heartburn is a pain that occurs in your chest, generally felt just behind your breastbone, according to Mayo Clinic. Heartburn presents more of a burning sensation rather than sharp pains.
Symptoms
If you have heartburn, you will likely experience a burning sensation or pain in your chest. This normally occurs after eating a large meal or at night. The pain of heartburn normally becomes worse if you lie down or bend over while experiencing it.
Causes
As you eat, food passes down your esophagus to your stomach. To enter your stomach, food must pass through an opening. If it does not make it through the opening, stomach acid can enter your esophagus. Known as reflux, this situation can irritate the lining of your esophagus and lead to heartburn.
Contributing Factors
A number of situations play a role in heartburn. The simple act of eating is not the only cause. Various factors make heartburn more painful. These include alcohol, smoking, caffeine, citrus fruits, onions, fat-filled foods, spicy foods, chocolate, mints and carbonated beverages. Being overweight can also contribute to heartburn. If you are taking certain medications -- including those for high blood pressure -- you may have a higher risk of heartburn.
Treatment
Heartburn usually is not a serious ailment. You can treat it by watching your diet, avoiding lying down after eating, having smaller meals and by taking over-the-counter medications. Antacids can neutralize your stomach acid and provide quick relief from heartburn. Medications are available to limit the production of stomach acid. There are also medications to help block acid and heal damaged esophageal tissue. Talk to your doctor about medical options for your heartburn.
Complications
Doctors know frequent heartburn as gastroesophageal reflux disease -- GERD. Prescription medications and possible surgery can treat this condition. Although heartburn has no connection with a heart attack, you can mistake chest pain for heartburn when it may be a sign of a serious heart condition. If you are short of breath, dizzy, vomiting blood, experience pain while swallowing, have pain in your neck or shoulder and sweating, seek emergency medical treatment.
