Understanding Heartburn: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Heartburn FAQ
What is heartburn & what causes it?
What is heartburn? Heartburn is discomfort or actual pain caused by digestive acid moving into the tube that carries swallowed food to your stomach (esophagus). May be accompanied by a small amount of stomach contents rising up into the back of your throat (regurgitation)
Is heartburn a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Heartburn is often a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Many studies have shown a link between genes and GERD, including several twins studies and a family study. All showed that genetics played a role, but we still need more research to know for sure how genes are involved.
What is heartburn & how is it treated?
Heartburn is a common form of indigestion caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux - reflux of stomach contents into the oesophagus (gullet). Treatment for heartburn will depend on how often your heartburn occurs and how much it impacts on your life. Treatments include antacids, medicines or surgery, as well as self-help measures.
Is heartburn a symptom of acid reflux?
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. Heartburn and indigestion are not the same. Indigestion is discomfort in your belly, especially after you eat. It also can be a symptom of other digestive problems. How long does heartburn last? For some people, heartburn might last only a few minutes, but for others it can last for several hours.
Why do I have occasional heartburn?
Occasional heartburn can happen when you overeat or eat something particularly acidic, fatty, or spicy. It happens to most of us and is not usually a cause for concern. If you have unexplained heartburn daily, it's time to speak with a healthcare provider. It could mean you have an underlying health condition that should be treated.
What happens if you have constant heartburn?
Constant heartburn can have complications. See your doctor if you experience ongoing heartburn. Once food is chewed and swallowed, it is pushed by muscular waves down the oesophagus and through a sphincter (or muscle ring) into the stomach.
Heartburn References
If you want to know more about Heartburn, consider exploring links below:
What Is Heartburn
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20373223
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9617-heartburn-overview
- https://www.healthline.com/health/heartburn
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heartburn
- https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/understanding-heartburn-basics
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-do-i-have-heartburn-7853394
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/indigestion
Heartburn Information
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