Heartburn is also known as GERD, Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disease. Heartburn is a burning sensation and pain in the
stomach and/or chest, behind the breastbone. It may be accompanied by
bloating, gas, nausea, shortness of breath, and/or an acidic or sour
taste in the throat. Over 60 million Americans suffer from heartburn.
It often occurs when hydrochloric acid, which is used by the stomach
to digest food, backs up into the esophagus, causing sensitive tissues
to become irritated. The esophageal sphincter muscle normally pinches
itself shut which stops stomach acid from moving upward. However, if
the sphincter is not functioning correctly, the acid can get past it
and into the esophagus. This is gas- troesophageal reflux. Conditions
that can cause a reflux of stomach acids into the esophagus are now
referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease rather than dyspepsia,
chronic heartburn, or acid indigestion.
GERD can affect anyone of any age, at any age. GERD can scar the
esophagus, and if stomach acids get into the lungs, they can cause
asthma type symptoms. GERD can also lead to a condition called
Barrett's esophagus, which is characterized by changes in the cells
lining the esophagus that can induce cancer. People with hiatal
hernia often experience heartburn. It can also be started by
eating too much: spicy foods, fatty/fried foods, alcohol, coffee,
citrus fruits, chocolate, or tomato based foods. Ulcers, gallbladder
problems, stress, allergies,
and enzyme deficiencies are also possible contributing factors |