Understanding Heartburn: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments
Heartburn is a type of indigestion and one that everyone has at some point of time in their lifetime! That burning sensation you feel in your chest, a condition of close to 60% of US adults, can not only be a nuisance — it could be a sign of a much larger problem if left untreated. Occasional heartburn is common, but if heartburn occurs more than twice a week for several weeks, it may imply a more serious condition called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In this blog, we’ll discuss what heartburn is, what causes it and the symptoms, and the best ways to treat and prevent heartburn.
What is Heartburn?
Acid reflux, or heartburn, is a burning sensation in the chest brought on by stomach acid moving up towards the oesophagus. This occurs when the ring of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus, the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), does not contract properly.
Although occasional heartburn is common, frequent episodes (such as twice a week or more) may be a sign of GERD, a chronic condition that merits medical evaluation.
Acute vs. Chronic Heartburn:
Acute heartburn is short-term — it returns quickly — and is typically due to certain types of food, overeating, or stress. It is usually treatable with lifestyle modifications or OTC medications.
Although heartburn is frequent, it is not always a sign of acid reflux. Untreated, it can cause complications such as oesophagitis, ulcers, or, in some cases, Barrett’s oesophagus (a precancerous condition).
Causes of Heartburn
a. Dietary Triggers
Some foods and drinks may relax the LES or stimulate stomach acid production, such as:
- Hot, greasy or fatty foods (e.g., curries, chips, fried chicken)
- Citrus, onions, garlic and tomatoes
- Caffeine, chocolate, and fizzy beverages like cola and coffee
- Alcoholic drinks (wine, particularly and spirits)
b. Lifestyle Factors
- Eating too much or lying down after eating – Eating a large meal or lying down right after you eat can overflow your stomach contents and cause acid reflux.
- Smoking damages the LES and stimulates acid formation.
- Squeezing the stomach with tight clothing causes acid to rise.
c. Medicomedical and Physiological Ones
- Pregnancy – Hormones and pressure on the stomach can cause acid reflux and heartburn.
- A hiatal hernia can cause damage to the LES by causing a portion of the stomach to rise into the chest.
- GERD: A chronic form of acid reflux that can provoke more serious health problems and demands more aggressive treatment.
- Some medications — NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), blood pressure treatments and certain sedatives — can make symptoms worse.
Common Symptoms
a. Physical Sensations
- A painful burning at the back of the breastbone, especially after eating.
- Pain increases when lying down or bending over.
b. Additional Symptoms
- Acidic or sour taste in the mouth.
- Problem swallowing (dysphagia).
- Chronic cough or sore throat – Because residual stomach acid irritates the respiratory passages.
If you think you’re experiencing chest pain related to your digestive system, get emergency care immediately. If you think your chest pain is related to the heart, don’t wait; call 999 or go to the emergency room.
Diagnosis of Heartburn
a. Clinical Evaluation
A doctor will review your symptoms, diet, and medical history. Keeping a food and symptom diary can help identify triggers.
b. Diagnostic Tests
- Upper endoscopy – A camera examines the oesophagus for damage.
- pH monitoring – Measures acid levels over 24 hours.
- Oesophageal manometry – Checks muscle function in the oesophagus.
Treatment Options
1. Modification of lifestyle and diet
- Stay away from triggers (spicy foods, caffeine, etc.).
- It is better to eat small amounts several times each day rather than large amounts at one time.
- Remain upright at least 2-3 hours after eating.
- In order to avoid reflux at night, raise the head of your bed.
- Keep your weight under control – Being overweight puts added pressure on the stomach.
2. Over-the-Counter Medications
- Antacids (for example, Rennie, Gaviscon) – Work in minutes to neutralise the acid.
- H2 blockers like ranitidine and famotidine – Decrease acid production for longer-lasting relief.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (such as omeprazole) – these work by blocking the mechanism that produces acid for very severe disease.
3. Prescription Treatments
- Stronger PPIs or H2 blockers if you have chronic GERD.
- Prokinetics: These accelerate the stomach’s emptying process.
- When medications and lifestyle modifications are ineffective for severe GERD, surgery (fundoplication) may be necessary.
When to See a Doctor
See a specialist if you have:
- Symptoms: Heartburn that may occur more than twice a week.
- Problems swallowing or a constant feeling of nausea.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- There hasn’t been any improvement in symptoms even after taking OTC drugs.
Early treatment prevents complications such as oesophageal damage.
Prevention Tips
- Pace yourself and enjoy your food – Limit overeating.
- No late-night snacks- Stop eating 3 hours before you go to sleep.
- Stop smoking – This can work to increase the function of the LES.
- Manage stress – Stress can worsen acid production.
Conclusion
Heartburn affects many people, but persistent symptoms should never be ignored. When you recognise what causes it, for example dietary triggers, lifestyle habits and medical conditions, you can manage and prevent the discomfort. Small tweaks — including altering your diet and sleep position — can bring big relief.
If heartburn is affecting your life, our doctors at Chase Lodge Hospital can help. From diagnosis to personalised treatment plans, we give you the attention to keep your digestive health on the right path.
Don’t let heartburn have an impact on your life – take action now!
