Understanding Heartburn

Overview

Over 60 million people suffer from heartburn more than once a month. Although it has some biological causes, many lifestyle changes can help prevent or alleviate symptoms.

Causes

Heartburn is pain in the chest area, either behind the breastbone or behind the spine in the mid-back. Despite the violent name, digestive problems are the actual cause of heartburn, not issues with the heart. These problems occur when acid from the stomach move upward into the esophagus, causing the irritation or “burning” sensation. The severity is dependent on how much acid is brought up as well as how much the acid weakens the sphincter (the opening between the stomach and esophagus).

Other causes include:

1. Overeating

2. Eating too quickly

3. Not fully chewing food

4. Eating while stressed

5. Lifting weights less than two hours after eating

Risk-Increasing Factors

Certain behaviors or factors can increase one’s risk for heartburn. You may be at a greater risk if one or more of the following applies to you:

1. You are pregnant

2. You are a smoker

3. You eat large meals (particularly before bed)

4. Your clothing is tight at the waist

5. You bend over a lot

6. You are overweight

Symptoms

1. Pain, itching, pressure or sharpness behind the breastbone that creates a burning sensation

This pain has a tendency to occur at night, with many people complaining of being kept awake because of the burning. The pressure can last for as long as two hours. If the pain is severe, do not assume it is heartburn and call a doctor. To help prevent heart attacks, do not ignore heart pain thinking it’s only heartburn.

2. Pain of the same type that occurs in the mid-back, behind the spine

3. An acidic taste in the back of the mouth

Prevention

There are many prevention steps one can follow to avoid heartburn, including:

1. Quitting smoking or limiting tobacco intake

2. Limiting alcohol intake

3. Eating a healthy diet- exclude as much chocolate, caffeine, and fatty or fried foods as possible. Also try to limit citrus intake if you are experiencing symptoms.

4. Wearing comfortably fitting clothing- particularly, properly fitting belts and underwear

5. Eating at least two hours before bed

6. Consuming a healthy diet and avoiding highly acidic foods when possible

7. Maintain a healthy weight

8. Stay within the appropriate weight when pregnant, as opposed to too much

Treatment

There are different treatment options for heartburn. These steps should be taken in the following order, or else according to the severity of pain you are experiencing:

1. Take antacids for occasional pain (such as Tums) to neutralize the acid

2. See a doctor if you experience pain regularly or find that the antacids don’t help- doctors can give prescription heartburn medicine

3. Surgery is an option for severe cases, but this should always be discussed with a doctor first.