Understanding Heartburn: Symptoms, Causes, and Remedies

• Written by Anjali Sharma

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Heartburn is a common yet often misunderstood medical condition. It is identified by a burning sensation in the chest. In the critical conditions of heartburn, the stomach's contents, including acid, come up against the flow of food in the oesophagus (reverse peristalsis). While occasional heartburn is normal, frequent or persistent occurrences can indicate the presence of severe gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) disease. Getting the proper treatment for heartburn is important to avoid any inflammation or damage to the oesophagus. 

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning sensation or feeling of discomfort in the chest, mostly felt behind the breastbone. It generally occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Contrary to the name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart; it is caused by digestive issues. 

What are Heartburn Symptoms?  

Heartburn symptoms are generally characterised by a burning sensation in the oesophagus (food pipe). Keep reading to understand the symptoms of heartburn:

• Burning in the Chest or Throat Region: The burning sensation usually starts in the upper abdomen and extends upward, sometimes reaching to the throat.  In extreme situations, it can get worse after eating, at night, or when lying down.
• Sour or Bitter Taste: When a small amount of stomach acid reaches the oesophagus, it creates a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.  
• Difficulty Swallowing: Heartburn can also cause discomfort in the throat, making it difficult to swallow food or liquids.
• Chest Pain: In rare cases, you might also experience chest pain extending to the arm, neck, or jaw, which could be easily misinterpreted as a heart attack. 

What Causes Heartburn? 

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of heartburn, ranging from dietary choices to lifestyle habits.

Let us discuss some of the common causes of heartburn:

• Diet: Various food items & beverages, such as spicy, fried, fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, and alcohol, can cause heartburn. This happens due to the relaxing of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) or increasing stomach acid production.
• Obesity: Excess weight, particularly around the waistline, can put extra pressure on the stomach and result in acid reflux.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, hormonal changes can relax the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES). This allows acid from the stomach to flow back into the oesophagus.
• Medications: Medicines such as pain relievers, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, increase stomach acid production.
• Smoking: Smoking is one of the major reasons for heartburn. The nicotine extracts from tobacco can weaken the Lower esophageal sphincter and increase stomach acid production.
• Stress and Anxiety: Having high levels of continuous stress can cause increased secretion of stomach acid and contribute to heartburn.

What are the Methods of Heartburn Treatment? 

The heartburn treatment depends on the severity of the heartburn. Various medications, along with dietary and lifestyle changes can help in getting relief from heartburn. 

• Over-the-counter Medications: You can treat the occasional heartburn at home with over-the-counter (OTC) and prescribed medications. 

1. Antacids: They help in neutralising stomach acid and provide quick relief. Some of the most commonly used antacids are Mylanta, Alka-Seltzer, and Gaviscon.
2. Histamine-2 (H2) blockers: These medicines reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), Famotidine (Pepcid Complete or Pepcid AC), and Nizatidine (Axid AR) are the most used Histamine-2 (H2) blockers. 
3. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): They are used to reduce the amount of acid present in your stomach and help heal damaged tissue in the oesophagus.  Lansoprazole (Prevacid 24 HR), Esomeprazole (Nexium 24 HR), Omeprazole magnesium (Prilosec), and Omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid) can be used to reduce heartburn symptoms.  

• Lifestyle Changes: Dietary modifications can be very beneficial in prevention of heartburn. Avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller portions, and not lying down immediately after eating can help diminish heartburn symptoms. 
• Surgery: In some rare cases, when lifestyle changes and medications do not reduce the heartburn symptoms, surgery may be suggested to support the LES. 

What are the Home Remedies for Heartburn? 

Heartburn caused by acid reflux can be cured with home remedies. Here are some of the home remedies for heartburn discussed below:

• Baking Soda: It helps neutralise stomach acid and has a calming effect. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of water. You should avoid excessive use, as it might disturb the pH balance in the body. 
• Apple Cider Vinegar: While there are no scientific proves to support the usage of ACV to relieve the symptoms of heartburn, ACV is still one of the most commonly used home remedies for heartburn. 
• Ginger: Ginger helps soothe the feeling of nausea. It is advised to chew a small piece of ginger in the morning for proper stomach functioning. 
• Aloe Vera: Drinking aloe vera juice before meals on a daily basis can help soothe the stomach lining.     

How to Reduce Heartburn?

There are several strategies that help to reduce heartburn. But if the heartburn extends for two or more times a week, it is advised to consult a doctor.

Here are some methods that you can try to reduce heartburn:

• Eat smaller meals: It is advised to consume small amounts of meals at frequent time intervals to reduce acid production. 
• Avoid lying down after meals: You should wait for two or three hours after eating to lie down. 
• Sleep on your left side: Sleeping on your left side helps position your lower oesophagal sphincter in an air pocket above your stomach. 
• Try home remedies: Consuming alkaline foods like cucumber, lettuce, and watermelon reduces the production of acid in the stomach. 

>>Read More: Symptoms of a Silent Heart Attack

Takeaway

Heartburn in occasional situations is common, and most people can manage it with daily adjustments. You should not leave the chronic heartburn medical condition untreated as it can signal more serious health-related complications. Always consult a gastroenterologist to get the right treatment on time. 

While conditions of heartburn are not fatal, there are cases when people confuse a potential heart health issue with heartburn. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously keep a check on your overall health by taking at least one annual health checkup every year. And did you know that comprehensive health insurance generally comes with a complimentary annual health checkup benefit. 

When purchasing a health insurance plan you must always check whether your insurer offers annual health checkup and the list of health checkups they offer to see if the concerned health checkups are covered in the plan.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.