Heartburn refers to a type of pain that is felt in the esophagus or chest, says MedlinePlus. This pain occurs when acid backs up from the stomach and literally moves up the digestive tract. Sometimes, an underlying medical illness can lead to heartburn. In other cases, it is the result of a normal physiologic process. Fortunately, the causes of heartburn can be managed.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refers to a medical condition in which the acid from the stomach moves up toward the esophagus and mouth. Symptoms of GERD include heartburn, nausea especially after eating and a feeling that food is in the breastbone. Other GERD symptoms include trouble swallowing, a cough, wheezing, hoarseness and vomiting up of food. This condition can also lead to coughing and a sore throat.
GERD is the result of a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This muscular structure refers to a type of valve that prevents stomach contents from moving upward to the esophagus and mouth. Some risk factors for developing GERD include obesity, cigarettes and alcohol use.
Treating GERD involves avoiding such triggers as chocolate, spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, spearmint and peppermint. Antacid medications and other over-the-counter medications such as omeprazole, cimetidine and metoclopramide can also be taken to manage GERD. Sometimes, a surgery is necessary to treat this condition.
Hiatal Hernia
The Mayo Clinic says that a hiatal hernia refers to a condition in which the stomach actually moves up through the muscle that separates the lungs from the stomach cavity (diaphragm).
According to the Mayo Clinic, hiatal hernia symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, nausea and belching.
Risk factors for hiatal hernia include being older than age 50, being obese and smoking.
Treating a hiatal hernia includes taking such antacids as famotidine and lanoprazole. Sometimes, surgery can be used to repair a hiatal hernia.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can also lead to heartburn. The American Pregnancy Association states that pregnancy leads to heartburn because the female hormone progesterone actually relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter. This subsequently allows the stomach acid to move up the esophagus.
Pregnant women can avoid heartburn by eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy foods, eating yogurt and drinking a glass of milk. Sometimes, over-the-counter antacids can also help relieve heartburn.
Medications
Also, certain medications can lead to heartburn as a side effect. MedlinePlus says that such medications include calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, beta blockers, sedatives and dopamine. Talk to your doctor about your medications as they may cause heartburn.
