Heartburn


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Heartburn is a digestive disorder associated with high stomach acidity and a disturbed acid-alkali balance. Often, this is due to an overstimulation of the stomach glands, which produce hydrochloric acid as a result of poor eating habits and the consumption of acid-causing foods. Heartburn is now defined as a burning sensation in the retrosternal area and regurgitation as the perception of flow of refluxed gastric content into the mouth or hypopharynx. Reflux of acid gastric content is usually responsible for the symptoms of heartburn, although non-acid reflux of substances such as bile may be important in a minority of patients.[2] Heartburn is caused by acid in the stomach backing up into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that takes food from the mouth to the stomach.

Heartburn is an uncomfortable feeling. Follow these tips to help relieve symptoms.[4] Heartburn is that uncomfortable, almost burning sensation often felt behind the breastbone, even climbing up to the level of the throat, after a substantial meal is taken beyond satiety. The condition may also be caused by other factors but overeating remains the most prevalent cause. Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux disease—a weakening of the lower esophageal valve, which lets stomach acid flow into the esophagus. Eating spicy, acidic, and fatty foods can aggravate the condition, as can too much caffeine, tobacco, overeating, and lying down after a meal.[6]

Heartburn is especially common after certain types of meals, especially those that are highly seasoned. It is a common complaint of patients who have a weakened lower esophageal sphincter or an anatomical condition called a hiatus hernia. Heartburn is fairly common, with 15 million Americans experiencing it at least once a day. Occasional heartburn can typically be relieved with over-the-counter medications if needed.[8] Heartburn is most commonly caused when the esophageal sphincter relaxes more often than it is supposed to, allowing stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus. That causes a burning sensation behind the breastbone or acidic fluid surging up into the mouth.[9]

Heartburn is highly treatable. That?s why Georgetown University Hospital is offering a FREE Heartburn Kit that explains the differences between occasional and chronic heartburn, the importance of a proper diagnosis and various treatment options.[10] Heartburn is the primary symptom of GERD. [11] Heartburn is usually associated with lowered, lower esophagus sphincter pressure and increased acid reflux into the esophagus. See Castell work on reflux, heartburn and diet.[12]

Heartburn is a very common condition that affects about 1 out of every 3 people at least once a month. The condition occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach go back up, or reflux, into the esophagus.[13] Heartburn is very unpleasant, but it's usually not serious. It is a common problem, though.[14]

Heartburn is now a movie, one sure to stoke controversy because of a comic tone that swerves deftly from affection to irony to flippancy to icy revenge. In its portrayal of Rachel, who needs so much love, and Mark, who wants too much sex, the film may seem to suggest that all women are fools and all men knaves.

Heartburn is an uncomfortable but common feeling of burning or warmth in the chest . Although the pain associated with heartburn is felt in the chest, it has nothing to do with your heart .[16] Heartburn is sometimes called acid indigestion . [17] Heartburn is even more common during pregnancy, with about 1 in 4 women reporting it daily at some point during their pregnancy. Statistics on acid indigestion are difficult to find because the definition is vague, but it's probably almost as common as heartburn.[18]

Heartburn is not simply a sentinel for Nexium prescription fills; it is also a symptom (rarely but not never) of heart disease, heart failure, GERD, stomach cancer, esphogeal cancer, ulcer . As an actuary, I see this as the underwriters actually doing something right.[19] Heartburn is a feeling of burning, warmth, heat, or pain that often starts in the upper abdomen just beneath the lower breastbone (sternum). This discomfort may spread in waves upward into your throat, and you may have a sour taste in your mouth.[20] Heartburn is usually felt in the chest just below the breastbone (sternum) but can extend upward to the neck. It may be accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth or a stinging sensation in the throat.[21]