What Are The Causes Of Heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or stomach caused by acid flowing back into the esophagus from the stomach. Here we’re going to talk about the causes of heartburn and what you can do to relieve it.

Pain or a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, also called pyrosis , is a common symptom in the adult population. The term gastroesophageal reflux is sometimes used synonymously, but it should be noted in this context that they are not synonymous. Here we are going to tell you what it is and what causes heartburn.

Both the burning sensation in the epigastric region and the manifestation itself, rising behind the sternum, can be banal to a certain extent. However, some lifestyle changes are needed to remedy this.

What is heartburn?

The stomach is an organ that is part of the upper digestive system. It is located in the abdomen, more precisely in the central and upper area of ​​the abdomen. Above is the esophagus and below that is the small intestine.

The function of the stomach is to help break down food. The acid it produces, called stomach acid , makes it easier to digest proteins and absorb iron, calcium and vitamin B12.

In addition, stomach acid kills many of the ingested microorganisms and restricts bacterial growth, thereby preventing intestinal infections.

If the acid from the stomach does not go further into the intestines but returns to the esophagus, then gastro-oesophageal reflux is present. At this point we need to clarify that a certain degree of this reflux is physiological. This usually occurs after meals, is short-lived, causes no symptoms, and rarely occurs during sleep.

If, on the other hand, reflux causes bothersome symptoms or complications, it is called non-physiological gastro-oesophageal reflux . This can be one of the causes of heartburn in the form of a burning or stabbing sensation in the stomach area or behind the breastbone.

How and why does heartburn occur?

When we eat, the food goes from the mouth to the esophagus and from there to the stomach. In between there is a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter that prevents stomach contents from flowing back into the mouth.

If for any reason, beyond what is known as physiological reflux , the acidity of the stomach rises again, pyrosis can occur. The exact reasons behind the occurrence of the causes of heartburn are still under investigation.

Experts have considered various theories, such as changes in motility (movements of the digestive tract) or acid production, stress, diet, and psychological and hereditary factors.

We must make it clear that these are not defined diagnoses, as would be the case, for example, with ulcers, pathological gastro-oesophageal reflux, irritable bowel syndrome or salivary stones. However, heartburn can also occur in all of these situations.

Risk factors and causes of heartburn

As mentioned earlier, the causes of heartburn are still being investigated even though so-called risk factors have been identified. This should be avoided whenever possible to reduce the occurrence of symptoms.

Diet is one such factor. It affects the occurrence of heartburn in some people and is particularly related to the consumption of certain products.

These include spices or mixtures of spices, citrus fruits, tomato products (ketchup), fried or high-fat foods, mint, chocolate, soft drinks and alcohol.

In addition, being overweight can increase the risk of heartburn. It is common during pregnancy for a similar reason, as the enlarged uterus, due to anatomical changes, pushes the stomach upwards, thus promoting the reflux of gastric acid.

When to see a doctor

There are situations that may require additional testing if certain causes of heartburn are suspected. In these cases, it is advisable to contact a specialist to rule out other important causes.

A warning symptom would be the first occurrence of heartburn in patients over 60 years of age who have not suffered from it before. If this is accompanied by gastrointestinal bleeding (bleeding in the vomit or in the stool), it is all the more a warning sign.

Loss of appetite is another symptom that should be as alarming as unexplained weight loss or difficulty swallowing. Sometimes chest pain occurs that is not related to heart problems but comes from the digestive system.

A special situation is a history of gastrointestinal cancer in a first-degree relative. This means that if a parent or grandparent or uncle or aunt suffered from this cancer, it is advisable to be even more attentive and to get examined as soon as possible if symptoms occur that are among the causes of heartburn.

What can i do if i have any of the causes of heartburn?

In those cases in which the episodes of heartburn or burning in the sternum area are very mild and sporadic, there are recommendations that should be followed in order to improve the symptoms.

• Losing weight: If you are overweight.
• Raising the headboard of the bed: This can be achieved by placing wooden or rubber blocks under two legs or a foam wedge under the mattress. Don’t use a lot of pillows as this can cause neck pain.
• Avoid certain foods that make symptoms worse: These include coffee, chocolate, alcohol, peppermint, spices, spicy foods, and fatty and fried foods.

• Quitting Smoking: Tobacco is one of the causes of heartburn.
• Don’t eat meals too late: Lying on a full stomach can make reflux worse. One should try to plan meals for at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.

It is extremely important not to use over-the-counter stomach acids. You should always prefer to ask your doctor about this. If symptoms worsen, occur at night, or persist for a long time, it is recommended that you seek professional help as soon as possible.