Heartburn is a severe burning sensation that starts in your chest and spreads to your throat and neck. This is a common symptom of GERD, acid reflux, and pregnancy, among other medical issues. Heartburn usually strikes suddenly and unexpectedly, with no warning. Heartburn affects everyone at some point in their lives, but for some people, it can strike unexpectedly and severely. Heartburn usually happens after a meal or before going to bed. Heartburn can also happen when you’re lying down, although this isn’t usual.
If you experience persistent heartburn, severe heartburn, or frequent heartburn attacks, it’s critical to figure out what’s causing your discomfort. You may not always have a specific diagnosis, and obtaining one may necessitate a visit to your doctor. Heartburn can be a brief symptom caused by food not passing down the esophagus properly in some situations, but it can also be caused by the LES (lower esophageal sphincter).
A burning sensation in the chest that rises to the level of your shoulders is a common sign of heartburn. This can be accompanied by swallowing difficulties. You may experience a sour taste in your mouth or difficulty speaking. Heartburn usually subsides when stomach acid and food pass through your body, leaving you with a relaxing sensation. If your heartburn persists, you may experience more serious symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
If you experience heartburn, you should contact your doctor right away. To soothe the burning, you’ll usually be given an over-the-counter (OTC) antacid. Prescription drugs are sometimes required. There are various natural cures you can try if you don’t want to take medicine. Since the early 1900s, these therapies have been utilized to treat heartburn and GERD.
Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation behind the breastbone, behind the sternum, or in the upper right part of the belly. The throat frequently has a sour flavor to it. Sore throat, hoarseness, earaches, and pressure are all possible symptoms. A person suffering with GERD may have difficulty swallowing, coughing, or wheezing. Some people only get heartburn when they have food or drink in their mouth, but the majority of people get it when they don’t have any food or liquid in their mouth at all.
Although heartburn is not common, there are techniques to prevent it or reduce its severity. If you frequently get heartburn, for example, you should think about changing your diet. Greasy, spicy, citrus, tomatoes, and chocolate are among foods that trigger heartburn. If you have these symptoms, you should eat fewer of these foods and increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains.