What is heartburn?

Let us discuss some anatomy first. Your stomach has a valve at its entrance. This is a ring of muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter or the LES. When food crosses to reach your stomach this sphincter closes. But if the muscles are weak and the sphincter doesn’t close properly then acid in your stomach can come up through the esophagus. This causes a burning sensation and chest pain. this is known as heartburn. It is actually symptom. When this happens repeatedly it is known as acid reflux disease.

Causes and risk factors:

The body has a muscle called the diaphragm. It is the main respiratory muscle but it also separates the abdomen from the chest. Hiatal hernia is a common cause in acid reflux disease. In this disease the upper part of the stomach with its lower esophageal sphincter come above the diaphragm. The diaphragm helps in keeping the acids in the stomach but in this disease the acids come up the esophagus. Thus causing heartburns. Heartburn on a regular basis is called acid reflux disease.

These are some other common factors responsible for acid reflux disease:

  • When you have eaten a large meal and have lied down immediately.
  • If you are an obese.
  • After a heavy meal if you try to lie on your back or bend over.
  • Eating a snack right before bedtime.
  • Certain foods are responsible such as citrus, chocolate, mint, tomato, garlic, onions, or spicy foods.
  • Certain beverages like alcohol, carbonated drinks, tea, or coffee might cause.
  • Smoking can cause.
  • Pregnancy
  • Some drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood pressure drugs.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease?

Some of the common symptoms are:

  • Regurgitation- thing in your stomach might come up.
  • Heartburn- a painful and burning sensation can be from your abdomen to your chest.

There can be other symptoms too:

  • Bloating of your belly
  • Vomiting blood or may be bloody stools.
  • Sometimes burping can cause your stomach contents to come up.
  • Sore throat, coughing or wheezing can also cause problems sometimes.
  • Hiccups that don’t usually go away.
  • Nausea usually is preceded by vomiting.
  • Weight loss which can’t be explained.
  • Dysphagia- it is a feeling that something has got stuck in your throat. It creates a response and you might feel like vomiting