HEARTBURN

Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain is often worse when lying down or bending over.
Occasional heartburn is common and no cause for alarm. Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn on their own with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.

Heartburn that is more frequent or interferes with your daily routine may be a symptom of a more serious condition that requires medical care.

Symptoms

Symptoms of heartburn include:

• A burning pain in the chest that usually occurs after eating and may occur at night
• Pain that worsens when lying down or bending over

When to see a doctor

Seek immediate help if you experience severe chest pain or pressure, especially when combined with other signs and symptoms such as pain in the arm or jaw or difficulty breathing. Chest pain may be a symptom of a heart attack.
Make an appointment with your doctor if:

• Heartburn occurs more than twice a week
• Symptoms persist despite use of over-the-counter medications
• You have difficulty swallowing
• You have persistent nausea or vomiting
• You have weight loss because of poor appetite or difficulty eating

Causes

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach (esophagus).
Normally when you swallow, a band of muscle around the bottom of your esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach. Then the muscle tightens again.
If the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus (acid reflux) and cause heartburn. The acid backup may be worse when you're bent over or lying down.

Risk factors

Certain foods and drinks can trigger heartburn in some people, including:

• Spicy foods
• Onions
• Citrus products
• Tomato products, such as ketchup
• Fatty or fried foods
• Peppermint
• Chocolate
• Alcohol, carbonated beverages, coffee or other caffeinated beverages
• Large or fatty meals

Being overweight or pregnant also can increase your risk of experiencing heartburn.

Complications

Heartburn that occurs frequently and interferes with your routine is considered gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD treatment may require prescription medications and, occasionally, surgery or other procedures. GERD can seriously damage your esophagus.

Tests and diagnosis

To determine if your heartburn is a symptom of GERD, your doctor may recommend:

• X-ray, to view the shape and condition of your esophagus and stomach.
• Endoscopy, to check for abnormalities in your esophagus. A tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken for analysis.
• Ambulatory acid probe tests, to identify when, and for how long, stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. An acid monitor that is placed in your esophagus connects to a small computer that you wear around your waist or on a strap over your shoulder.
• Esophageal motility testing, to measure movement and pressure in your esophagus.

Treatments and drugs

Many over-the-counter medications can help relieve heartburn. The options include:

• Antacids, which help neutralize stomach acid. Antacids may provide quick relief. But they can't heal an esophagus damaged by stomach acid.
• H-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), which can reduce stomach acid. H2RAs don't act as quickly as antacids, but may provide longer relief.
• Proton pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR) and omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), which also can reduce stomach acid.

If over-the-counter treatments don't work or you rely on them often, see your doctor. You may need prescription medication.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Lifestyle changes can help ease heartburn:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing, which puts pressure on your abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter.
• Avoid foods that trigger your heartburn.
• Avoid lying down after a meal. Wait at least three hours.
• Avoid late meals.
• Elevate the head of your bed if you regularly experience heartburn at night or while trying to sleep. If that's not possible, insert a wedge between your mattress and box spring to elevate your body from the waist up. Raising your head with additional pillows usually isn't effective.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking decreases the lower esophageal sphincter's ability to function properly.

Alternative medicine

Anxiety and stress can worsen heartburn symptoms. Some complementary and alternative treatments may help you cope with anxiety and stress. If your heartburn is worsened by anxiety and stress, consider trying:

• Aromatherapy
• Gentle exercise, such as walking or riding a bike, but avoid vigorous exercise, which can worsen heartburn
• Hypnosis
• Listening to music
• Massage
• Relaxation techniques, such as guided imagery