Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

Who develops heartburn?

Anyone can develop heartburn, but it is more common in men and people over 50 years of age. It is also common in young children, as their shorter esophagus makes it easier for stomach contents to get regurgitated.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is heartburn?

Heartburn, also known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GORD) or indigestion, is a very common condition in which the stomach contents and/or acid are able to move back upward into the esophagus, and occasionally back into the mouth.

What are the symptoms of heartburn?

The most common symptoms of heartburn are a burning sensation in the throat, a bad acidic taste in the mouth, belching, chest pain, excess saliva and sometimes coughing or hoarseness. Sometimes you can get acid reflux in your mouth, which might make you …

What causes heartburn?

Heartburn is caused when your lower esophageal sphincter (LOS) lets stomach acid flow back upwards into your esophagus. The LOS is similar to a valve; during heartburn it either does not work properly or is too relaxed, allowing stomach contents out instead of …

Is heartburn serious?

In most cases heartburn is not serious and simply causes discomfort and annoyance. In long-term cases though, the continuous acid reflux can damage the lining of your esophagus. If you have heartburn for more than 10 years, it may put you at higher risk of esophageal …

How is heartburn treated?

Most cases of heartburn can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication. Surgery is mainly offered for severe heartburn, or if you have a hiatus hernia.

What can be done at home to treat heartburn?

Eating smaller, regular meals, rather than large servings, particularly before bedtime, may help treat and prevent heartburn. Avoiding foods such as coffee, chocolate, fatty or spicy foods, and alcohol, especially with meals, may also be …

How common is heartburn?

Heartburn is very common, with an estimated one in five people experiencing it on a weekly basis. One in 10 people are thought to experience an episode every day.

What can make heartburn worse?

Heartburn is made worse by eating late at night, with alcohol, in a hurry or when stressed. Lying down or leaning over soon after eating also makes heartburn worse.

Will heartburn return?

In many cases, heartburn tends to return. However, adhering to lifestyle changes and medications can make this less likely.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Barrett’s esophagus

Barrett's oesophagus occurs when the cells lining the oesophagus – the tube that connects the mouth and the stomach – change from a type of cell called squamous into columnar (cells more typical of the stomach and small intestine), due to damage from acid reflux.…
Diseases & conditions

Gastritis

Gastritis describes a group of conditions characterised by inflammation of the stomach lining. It occasionally causes symptoms like reduced hunger, nausea and indigestion, but in most cases doesn't produce symptoms at all. Gastritis usually isn’t dangerous and generally improves with treatment.…
Diseases & conditions

Hernia

A hernia occurs when an internal organ pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall, often as a result of increased internal pressure from straining or heavy lifting. This creates a bulge on the abdomen that can be felt through the skin.…
Diseases & conditions

Chest pain

Chest pain has many causes, ranging from muscle strain to more serious cardiovascular problems such as heart attack. If you do experience chest pain, it is important to seek prompt medical attention.…
Diseases & conditions

Traveler's diarrhea

Traveller's diarrhoea is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract that mainly affects travellers, typically due to poor sanitation. It usually causes urgent and frequent diarrhoea. This can be unpleasant and potentially lead to dehydration. It is important to keep hydrated and medications may be needed to help with symptoms.…
Diseases & conditions

Gallstones

Gallstones are usually small stones formed in your gallbladder, which is an organ that stores bile to help digest food. They can cause problems if they get stuck at the opening of the gallbladder or pass beyond.…

About this article

Author: Jonathan Meddings BMedLabSc (Hons)
First answered: 06 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Votes: 1399 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Barrett’s esophagus

×

Content goes in here.