Heartburn Symptoms

Heartburn is one of the symptoms of acid reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). However, it is important to note that not everyone with acid reflux suffers from heartburn and not everyone with heartburn suffers from acid reflux. Heartburn symptoms can be triggered by a number of causes in different people. However, some symptoms of heartburn are common in most people. One of the most common causes of heartburn is the rise of stomach acid back into the esophagus. In some cases, cardiac problems may also trigger symptoms similar to heartburn. Hence, it is important to be evaluated for cardiac problems before one is evaluated for gastrointestinal problems. At the same time, it is important to note that heartburn has nothing to do with the heart.

Symptoms of Heartburn

Do you wonder what heartburn feels like? It is an uncomfortable feeling of burning and warmth behind the sternum which, sometimes, can also be felt in the throat. Most instances of heartburn occur after meals or when one is lying down after a meal or maybe even at night while sleeping.

Heartburn during pregnancy is a common phenomena. Such a condition commonly occurs shortly after eating and can last for a few minutes but in some cases, it can also last for a longer duration of time. Like burning sensation in the chest, some people may suffer from burning sensation in the throat. This sensation can happen high up in the throat as well. Often, the burning sensation worsens while swallowing. Such a burning sensation is often caused due to irritation when the stomach acids reflux back up into the throat.

Sour or bitter taste in the mouth is one of the severe indications of heartburn. The sour or bitter taste in the mouth is caused due to reflux of stomach acids in the esophagus and may often reach the back of the throat.

One may experience trouble while swallowing when food does not pass smoothly through the esophagus into the stomach. The person may experience a sensation of food sticking in the throat or burning in the chest after eating or feeling choked or pressure in the chest during or after eating. However, difficulty in swallowing can also be an indicator of other conditions as well. Hence, it is better to have them evaluated.

People suffering from constant heartburn may also experience chronic coughing. It is seen that about 41% of chronic coughing cases are non smokers. When the stomach acid enters the esophagus and is aspirated, it gives rise to coughing. Along with coughing, some patients may also suffer from wheezing or asthma like symptoms. A number of studies point to the fact, that there is a close link between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and asthma. This happens when stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus and is aspirated into the lungs and the airways, which makes breathing difficult causing the patient to wheeze and cough.

Heartburn symptoms in children include aching of the back when they are fed, chest pain, coughing, vomiting, wheezing, fussiness, pain while swallowing, etc. It is also seen that children who suffer from heartburn may also find it difficult to gain weight. Sores can be formed in the esophagus due to the reflux of stomach acids.

Since, most instances of heartburn are caused due to stomach acid reflux, heartburn cures involve ascertaining that the stomach acids do not make their way into the esophagus. There are a number of home remedies which can be used to treat the condition. Follow a diet free from fried and fatty food if you wish to get relief from heartburn. Baking soda can be used for heartburn relief. People suffering from acid reflux or heartburn symptoms are recommended to have smaller meals and have their dinner about two to three hours before they hit the sack. If possible, go for a walk after meals as it will help to get rid of gas and bloating. Regular exercise will also help in curbing the condition. Smokers are advised to quit smoking and drinkers should cut down on their alcohol intake as well.