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- Breastfeeding boom among older, affluent mothers
Published 20 November 2012 - Wasteful NHS procurement costing £500m a year
Published 20 November 2012 - Time for walkies! Pet dogs paralysed by spine damage are able to walk again ...
Published 20 November 2012 - Out-of-date drugs found on children's ward
Published 20 November 2012
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Why do I have heartburn?
Heartburn is a burning feeling rising from the stomach or lower chest up towards the neck. Heartburn is caused when the valve mechanism at the top of your stomach called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not work properly and acid is allowed to pass up into the esophagus. This is also known as acid reflux.
Heartburn is a medical condition which may result in other complications. For example, if you suffer from frequent heartburn you may also suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Heartburn is a common symptom of GERD, however you do not have to have heartburn to suffer from GERD.
Other symptoms, aside from heartburn are, regurgitation, gas, feeling bloated and indigestion.
For people who only suffer from the occasional episode of heartburn, antacids can bring relief. However, they are not usually recommended to treat the frequent heartburn suffered by people with GERD .
To learn more about heartburn in relation to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), please click here.
Last Updated 09-09-2009