What Causes Heartburn?

Heartburn is an all too common occurrence. It’s a burning sensation in the chest that’s caused by stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus. It can last for minutes or even hours, depending on severity. It’s not a pleasant experience, and it can be downright painful. If left unchecked, it can lead to complications such as esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus, both serious medical conditions. So, what’s causing your heartburn?

Common Causes

The most common cause of heartburn is overeating. Eating too much food at one time can cause stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Eating too quickly or not chewing food properly can also contribute to the problem. Eating spicy or fatty foods can cause the stomach to produce more acid and make it more likely to back up into the esophagus.

Another common cause of heartburn is eating too close to bedtime. Laying on a full stomach can leave the opening between the stomach and esophagus open, allowing stomach acid to rise. Overeating at nighttime can also cause the body to produce more acid as it digests.

Lifestyle Factors

Research has also found that lifestyle factors can play a role in heartburn. Factors like smoking, stress, and being overweight can contribute to symptoms. Smoking can irritate the lining of the esophagus and increase stomach acid production, which can lead to heartburn. Being stressed out can affect the body’s digestion, leading to more acid production. Being overweight or obese puts additional pressure on the stomach and can force acid into the esophagus.

Medication

Certain medications can also cause heartburn symptoms. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen; certain antibiotics; and certain drugs used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and insomnia. If you’re taking any of these medications and experiencing heartburn, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience frequent heartburn, it’s important to see your doctor. Heartburn can be a sign of a more serious condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). With GERD, the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and can cause long-term damage. It can also lead to Barrett’s esophagus.

Your doctor can diagnose the cause of your heartburn and help you find ways to manage it. They may recommend lifestyle changes or medications to reduce or prevent symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damage to the esophagus or stomach.

Conclusion

Heartburn can be a troubling and painful experience. The good news is that it’s usually caused by overeating, eating close to bedtime, lifestyle factors, or certain medications. If you experience frequent symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor so they can investigate the cause and provide the best treatment.