User:Mr. Ibrahem/Heartburn

Heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, is a burning sensation in the central chest or upper central abdomen. The discomfort may feel like it rises from the upper central abdomen to the throat. There may also be a sour taste in your throat. It is a primary symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Heartburn is due to stomach acid entering the esophagus. Risk factors include being overweight, pregnancy, certain foods, certain medications, hiatus hernia, and exposure to cigarette smoke. Foods that are implicated include coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, and chocolate. Commonly involve medications include NSAIDs. Other conditions that may appear similar include angina.

Useful lifestyle changes include eating smaller meals, not eating before bedtime, losing weight if overweight, and raising the head of the bed. Medications that may help include an antacids or proton pump inhibitor. If these measures are not effective or other concerning symptoms are present a gastroscopy may be useful to rule out other causes. Heartburn affects more than 20% of the population in the US.