What are heartburn and acid reflux?
Heartburn is often described as a burning sensation behind the breastbone that can radiate up towards the throat. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid rises into the esophagus, which can cause a sour taste in the mouth and a burning sensation in the throat.
When you eat, the food passes through the esophagus and into the stomach, where a sphincter normally ensures that the stomach acid stays where it should. But if this sphincter does not function optimally, the acid can move up into the esophagus. This can lead to heartburn and acid reflux – especially after large meals, when lying down, or if you have eaten something that irritates the stomach.
Why do heartburn and acid reflux occur?
There may be several reasons why you are experiencing heartburn and acid reflux. For some, it is certain types of food that trigger the symptoms. Fatty, spicy, or acidic foods can increase the production of stomach acid and thus increase the risk of acid reflux.
Large meals can also put a strain on the stomach, causing it to become overfilled and push acid up into the esophagus. Alcohol, coffee, and carbonated drinks can also irritate the mucous membranes and relax the sphincter muscle, making it easier for acid to get through.
Obesity can be another factor. The extra weight increases pressure on the stomach and can thus worsen the symptoms. Stress also plays a role, as it can affect digestion and make the stomach more sensitive to acid.
Symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux
The symptoms of heartburn can vary from person to person, but the most common signs include:
- A burning pain behind the breastbone, which often gets worse after meals or during physical activity.
- A sour or bitter taste in the mouth, especially when bending forward or lying down.
- A feeling of having something stuck in the throat.
- Burning in the throat and hoarseness if the stomach acid reaches all the way up into the pharynx.
If you experience these symptoms often, it may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which requires treatment.
When should you see a doctor?
Most people experience heartburn and acid reflux from time to time, but if the symptoms occur frequently or are very painful, you should contact your doctor.
It is especially important to seek medical attention if you:
- Have difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing.
- Experiencing unexplained weight loss.
- Have persistent vomiting or blood in the vomit.
- Have chest pains that radiate to the arms, jaw, or back – this may be a sign of a more serious condition that requires urgent treatment.
Treatment for heartburn and acid reflux
Treatment for heartburn depends on the severity of the symptoms. For milder cases, acid-neutralizing medications such as antacids can be effective. These agents work by neutralizing stomach acid and providing rapid relief.
For more persistent symptoms, your doctor may prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which reduce stomach acid production. These medications may be necessary for chronic heartburn or reflux.
Lifestyle changes are also a central part of the treatment. It may be a good idea to eat smaller meals, avoid lying down immediately after eating, and raise the head of the bed to prevent stomach acid from rising.
Home remedies for heartburn
There are also several home remedies that can relieve heartburn and acid reflux. Drinking a glass of milk can have a neutralizing effect, while a glass of water can wash the acid down.
A slice of toast or a banana can absorb excess stomach acid, while chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production and help wash away the acid.
Dietary changes that can help
Dietary changes can make a big difference if you often experience heartburn. Avoid foods that can irritate the stomach, such as:
- Fatty and fried foods
- Citrus fruits and tomatoes
- Coffee, alcohol and soda
- Chocolate and peppermint
Instead, you can focus on foods that are gentle on the stomach, such as oatmeal, rice, cooked vegetables, and lean meat. It may also be beneficial to eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overfilling the stomach.
Read more about food and diet.
Heartburn prevention
Preventing heartburn is largely about changing habits and avoiding triggers. Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to aid digestion. Avoid lying down immediately after meals, and elevate the head of the bed if you often experience symptoms at night.
Exercise can also help regulate weight and reduce pressure on the stomach. At the same time, stress reduction through relaxation exercises, yoga, or meditation can reduce the risk of heartburn, as stress can negatively affect digestion.