What is Heartburn?
- Nov 3, 2016
- 3 min read
Many of us get heartburn on occasion after a meal, it's uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and I'm sure I wouldn't be wrong in saying we'd all rather do without it. But what is heartburn? Does it have anything to do with acid reflux? Can it be avoided? Are there risk factors associated with heartburn? For many of us, these common questions are quite baffling. Many of us just deal with the occasional occurrence of heartburn and never think about trying to find the answers to these questions. But, the answers might just help with symptoms, severity, and maybe even avoidance of heartburn in the future.
First and foremost, it is important to define heartburn, acid reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease followed by how these conditions relate to each other.
Heartburn: categorized by a burning sensation often felt in the chest, and sometimes even felt in the neck, throat, and face. Heartburn typically occurs after a meal, and can be worsened by bending over or lying down.
Acid Reflux: occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter functions improperly allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus. The esophagus does not contain the mucosal lining that the stomach contains which causes the uncomfortable symptom of heartburn.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): the chronic, often daily occurrence of acid reflux and heartburn that effects the individual's quality of life. Symptoms of GERD include heartburn, difficulty swallowing, frequent burping, and increased salivation.
Can acid reflux and heartburn be avoided?
Unfortunately, like many conditions of the digestive system acid reflux and heartburn are both related to what we consume. There are also other behaviors unrelated to food consumption that can effect the function of the lower esophageal sphincter.
Risk factors associated with acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD include obesity, cigarette smoking, pregnancy, and use of some medications.
Foods that can worsen acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD and should be avoided include alcoholic beverages, high-fat foods, foods and beverages containing caffeine, spicy foods, peppermint, chocolate, acidic food, and coffee.
Behaviors that can be engaged in to avoid or lessen the effects of heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD include avoiding tight fitting clothing after eating, staying upright after consuming foods or beverages, and avoiding activity soon after eating.
Is there treatment for acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD?
Occasional acid reflux and heartburn can be corrected by the use of over-the-counter antacid tablets or medications such as Tums, Rolaids, Prilosec, Pepcid AC, etc. GERD is a condition that would be diagnosed by a doctor and medications may be prescribed depending on severity of symptoms. If you suspect you have GERD or have acid reflux and heartburn more than occasionally discuss symptoms with your doctor. Overuse of antacid tablets can cause overproduction of stomach as and therefore should be only used if absolutely necessary.
I hope this has been informative and clarified some confusion about heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD. If you have any questions or would like to know more please contact me here.
References:
1. Nelms M, Sucher K, Lacey K, Long Roth S. Nutrition therapy and pathophysiology. 2nd ed. United States: Wadsworth Cengage Learning; 2007.
2. Mahan K, Escott-Stump S, Raymond J. Krause's food and the nutrition care process. 13th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2012.
3. Insel P, Ross D, McMahon K, Bernstein M. Nutrition. 4th ed. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers; 2011.
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