What Is Heartburn? Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

 Heartburn is a common digestive condition that causes a burning sensation in the chest, often after eating. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with the heart. Instead, it occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus — the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. This acid reflux irritates the lining of the esophagus, leading to discomfort that can be mild or severe.



Occasional heartburn is normal, but frequent or severe episodes may indicate a more serious condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you're experiencing recurring heartburn, it's crucial to consult a gastro physician to determine the underlying cause and get the right treatment.

What Causes Heartburn?

Heartburn occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — a muscle that acts as a valve between your esophagus and stomach — doesn’t close properly or opens too often. When this happens, acid produced by your stomach can move up into the esophagus and cause that uncomfortable burning sensation.

Here are the common causes of heartburn:

1. Dietary Choices

  • Spicy foods

  • Citrus fruits

  • Tomatoes and tomato-based products

  • Chocolate

  • Caffeinated drinks like coffee or soda

  • Alcohol

  • Fried and fatty foods
    These foods can relax the LES or increase stomach acid production, both of which contribute to heartburn.

2. Eating Habits

  • Overeating

  • Eating too quickly

  • Lying down immediately after meals

  • Eating late at night

3. Obesity

Excess weight can increase abdominal pressure, pushing stomach contents — including acid — up into the esophagus.

4. Smoking

Smoking weakens the LES and reduces saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid.

5. Pregnancy

Hormonal changes and pressure from the growing fetus can lead to heartburn.

6. Certain Medications

Some medicines can trigger heartburn, including:

  • NSAIDs like ibuprofen

  • Blood pressure medications

  • Antidepressants

  • Certain sedatives or muscle relaxants

If you suspect a medication is causing heartburn, speak with a gastro physician before making any changes.

Common Symptoms of Heartburn

Heartburn symptoms can vary in intensity, but they often include:

  • A burning sensation in the chest, usually after eating

  • Pain that worsens when lying down or bending over

  • A sour or bitter taste in the mouth

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • A feeling of food stuck in the throat or chest

  • Chronic cough or hoarseness

If you have symptoms more than twice a week, or if over-the-counter treatments don’t work, you may have GERD and should seek evaluation by a gastro physician.

When to See a Gastro Physician

While occasional heartburn isn’t usually a concern, frequent or severe symptoms require medical attention. A gastro physician specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the digestive tract, including chronic acid reflux and GERD.

Consult a gastro physician if you experience:

  • Heartburn more than twice a week

  • Symptoms that interfere with sleep or daily life

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Persistent nausea or vomiting

  • Weight loss without trying

  • Chest pain not related to the heart

Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications like esophagitis, ulcers, or even esophageal cancer in rare cases.

How Is Heartburn Diagnosed?

A gastro physician may use several diagnostic tools to evaluate the cause of your symptoms:

  • Upper endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to view the esophagus.

  • pH monitoring: Measures the acid levels in your esophagus over 24 hours.

  • Barium swallow X-ray: Helps detect abnormalities in the esophagus and stomach.

  • Esophageal manometry: Measures the muscle contractions in your esophagus when you swallow.

Prevention: How to Avoid Heartburn

Preventing heartburn involves a mix of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and sometimes medications. Here’s what you can do to minimize your risk:

1. Watch What You Eat

Avoid trigger foods like spicy dishes, acidic fruits, caffeine, chocolate, and fatty meals. Keep a food diary to track which items cause symptoms.

2. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Large meals can increase pressure on the LES. Try eating smaller portions spaced throughout the day.

3. Don’t Lie Down After Eating

Wait at least 2–3 hours after eating before lying down or going to bed. This gives your stomach time to digest.

4. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

Raise the head of your bed by about 6–8 inches. Gravity helps prevent acid from flowing back into the esophagus during sleep.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Losing excess weight can significantly reduce pressure on the abdomen and lower the risk of reflux.

6. Stop Smoking

Quitting smoking improves LES function and reduces acid reflux symptoms.

7. Wear Loose Clothing

Tight-fitting clothes, especially around the waist, can put pressure on your abdomen and LES.

Medical Treatment for Heartburn

If lifestyle changes don’t offer relief, a gastro physician may recommend medications such as:

  • Antacids (e.g., Tums, Rolaids): Neutralize stomach acid for quick relief.

  • H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine): Reduce acid production.

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole): More potent acid reducers used for long-term relief.

  • Prokinetics: Help strengthen the LES and speed up stomach emptying.

In rare cases where medication and lifestyle changes are not effective, surgical options like fundoplication may be considered.

Final Thoughts

Heartburn is a widespread condition that can range from mildly annoying to seriously disruptive. Understanding the triggers and symptoms is the first step toward managing it effectively. For frequent or severe cases, seeing a gastro physician is essential to prevent long-term complications and to receive targeted treatment.

By making smart lifestyle choices, avoiding known triggers, and seeking medical help when necessary, you can take control of your digestive health and enjoy meals without the burn.

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