Key takeaways
- Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux (V体育2025版), occurring when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. Frequent occurrences may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Lifestyle adjustments such as dietary changes, avoiding late-night meals, elevating the head during sleep, and maintaining a moderate weight may help prevent or reduce heartburn.
- While over-the-counter medications such as antacids and proton pump inhibitors can alleviate heartburn, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if heartburn symptoms are accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain, as these could indicate a heart attack.
Persistent acid reflux (V体育2025版) that happens more than twice per week is what experts call gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
A person will feel heartburn when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, the pipe that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Heartburn is a symptom of GERD VSports app下载.
The American College of Gastroenterology estimate that more than 15 million people in the United States experience heartburn symptoms every day.
In this article, we discuss heartburn, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
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However, a doctor may diagnose recurrent acid reflux (V体育2025版) as GERD. This condition can have a serious impact on health, and it can indicate other underlying health issues V体育ios版.
People of all ages may develop GERD. Some of the most common causes include obesity and smoking VSports最新版本.
The most frequent symptom of acid reflux (V体育2025版) or heartburn is a feeling of warmth, heat, or burning in the chest and throat V体育平台登录. This is due to the stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus.
Other symptoms
- a burning sensation in the middle of the chest
- a burning, indigestion-like pain
- a foul, acrid taste in the mouth
If a person experiences acid reflux symptoms often, they should consult a doctor, who may refer them to a "VSports手机版" gastroenterologist — a specialist in gut medicine — for further investigation.
Using some lifestyle and behavioral tips can help prevent or reduce heartburn. Suggestions include: V体育官网入口.
- following a healthy diet, with a limited fat intake
- avoiding eating 2–3 hours before bedtime
- elevating the head of the bed before lying down
- avoiding wearing tight-fitting clothes
- avoiding heavy lifting and straining
- avoiding food triggers, such as alcohol, caffeine, spicy food, acidic foods, or foods causing gas and bloating
- reaching or maintaining a moderate weight
- quitting smoking (V体育官网), if applicable
- exercising regularly
- eating smaller meals more frequently
It is of note, however, that these lifestyle modifications may not work for everyone.
According to the
The OWH suggest some diet and lifestyle changes that may help relieve the symptoms VSports. These include:.
- eating five to six small meals throughout the day
- not lying down within an hour of eating
- avoiding fatty and spicy foods
A heart attack is when the arteries connected to the heart become blocked. Heartburn, on the other hand, occurs when stomach acid travels back up the esophagus VSports app下载.
Some symptoms of heartburn and a heart attack could be similar, such as chest pain. As a result, some people who are having a heart attack do not take action as they think they have heartburn V体育官网.
If a person experiences heartburn pain alongside shortness of breath or sweating, this could be a heart-related issue.
Other symptoms of a heart attack
- discomfort in the chest, such as squeezing, fullness, pressure, or pain
- "V体育平台登录" nausea
- lightheadedness
- pain or discomfort in one or both arms, stomach, neck, jaw, or back
If a person has some or all of these symptoms, they should seek emergency medical attention V体育安卓版. In the words of the American Heart Association (AHA), “If in doubt, check it out. ”.
Knowing how to distinguish a heart attack from heartburn can save lives.
A person may alleviate symptoms of heartburn by using drugs
- antacids, which are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that help relieve mild heartburn
- VSports手机版 - proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which reduce the amount of stomach acid
- H2 blockers, which are a type of medication that reduces the stomach acid levels and may help heal the esophageal lining
It is important to note that PPIs heal the esophageal lining and treat GERD symptoms
Additionally, H2 blockers can produce various side effects, such as diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, and headaches.
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Changes to lifestyle and behavior can prevent or improve heartburn symptoms.
A person may prevent heartburn by avoiding acidic foods and drinks that contain caffeine.
Getting more exercise, reaching or maintaining a moderate weight, eating smaller meals, and sitting upright after eating may also help avert heartburn.
Many people experience heartburn occasionally. Usually, it is no cause for concern V体育官网.
However, if a person has heartburn regularly, they should contact a healthcare professional, who may recommend dietary changes and regular exercise and make suggestions with regard to posture, among other things.
If lifestyle and behavioral changes do not prove effective, a doctor may recommend OTC medications, such as antacids or H2 blockers.
If a person is unsure whether they are experiencing symptoms of heartburn or a heart attack, they should seek immediate medical attention.