Heartburn is a digestive problem causing acids from the stomach coming in contact with the lining of the esophagus. There is a burning sensation in the lower chest when stomach contents reflux back into the food pipe, i-e esophagus. The condition of heartburn arises mainly due to the type of foods we eat in our diet. Fatty foods can cause heartburn, as their digestion takes time, and the acids in the stomach start accumulating. The condition of stomach acids refluxing back to the esophageal lining is known as acid reflux. This acid reflux can cause severe burning, inflammation, pain, irritation, and can also lead to tooth erosion.
Burning pain in the throat and lower chest are the primary symptoms of heartburn. The occasional happening of heartburn on normal days is usually not of a big concern. It can happen to people of almost all ages. Indigestion and other poor lifestyle habits are contributing factors for heartburn. Obese people experience heartburn more often. A big portion of the population almost daily experience heartburn. Fatty foods and junk in the diet are some of the leading reasons for causing heartburn. Other factors that contribute to the occurrence of heartburn are lack of exercise and having a sedentary lifestyle. Smoking can also aggravate the condition of heartburn. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, almost 25 % of the population in America experience heartburn almost daily.
Heartburn can occasionally happen to anyone; the recurrence of acid reflux indicates serious health concerns. The persistence occurrence of heartburn indicates a serious digestive disorder, i-e, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or GORD). A person experiencing heartburn for more than twice a week is susceptible to have Gastroesophageal reflux disease. The patient should visit a gastroenterology specialist to check in with his or her condition and have proper treatment.