Heartburn

Heartburn is a sensation of burning in the chest caused by stomach acid backing up into the oesophagus (food pipe). The burning is usually in the upper and central part of the chest, just behind the sternum (breast bone). The burning can worsen or can be brought on by lying flat or on the right side. Pregnancy tends to aggravate heartburn.

Heartburn Symptoms and Signs

Heartburn is a common cause of a burning sensation in the chest and chest pain. It can be associated with symptoms such as:

A sour taste in the mouth

Dry cough

Hoarseness

Sore throat & difficulty swallowing.

Foods and beverages to avoid

Alcohol: Alcohol can relax the lower esophageal sphincter.

Coffee and orange or other acidic juices are some of the beverages that can worse or trigger heartburn.

Fatty foods, fried foods, and some acidic foods (oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes) as well as spicy foods can cause heartburn.

How is heartburn diagnosed?

Often all that a health-care professional requires is a thorough history and physical to make the preliminary diagnosis of heartburn. To evaluate if there is any damage and how severe your heartburn is, the doctor my suggest some of the following tests:

Endoscopy

Upper GI series

Ambulatory pH testing

What are treatments, relief, and home remedies for heartburn?

Heartburn can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications (over-the-counter and prescription). In rare cases, surgical procedures are available to help with severe and chronic heartburn (GERD).