Heartburn, which is also known as pyrosis is a burning sensation in the esophagus. It is usually painful and is caused by gastric acid’s regurgitation. The pain starts from the chest and may proceed to the neck, throat or jaw. Pyrosis is a main symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
The heart has no connection with this condition despite the name and is only so called because of a burning sensation near to the heart. It is a problem in the stomach connected with digestion.
It happens when the acid in the stomach comes into contact with the lining of the esophagus which causes discomfort. Most people experience heartburn occasionally after eating while some kinds of foods may cause the condition and these include coffee, tea, chocolate, fried and fatty foods, tomatoes alcohol, tobacco, large meals and citrus fruits and juices.
There are some serious problems that are connected with pyrosis such as
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents reflux back up into the esophagus. It could be treated with diets, medications or surgery.
Heartburn is also one of the symptoms of peptic ulcer which is a problem that occurs when the stomach lining is eroded by stomach acid and a sore called ulcer is formed in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. It was a popular belief before that a stomach ulcer is caused by stress or eating spicy foods.
Researches however pointed to an infection by bacterium called Helicobacter pylori which causes this problem. Some substances and foods, according to studies should be avoided because they increase the risk of having ulcer. These are cigarettes, caffeine and alcohol. Persons undergoing emotional stress experience more painful ulcers.
Obesity, tight clothing, constipation, constant hard coughing, sudden physical exertion like weight lifting and abdominal injury are to be avoided because these causes the condition to occur if not worse it.
Heartburn is also caused by lying down after a full meal such that eating before 2 to 3 hours before bedtime is usually advised by most professionals whom you consult with.