Beyond Food: Other Causes Of Heartburn And GERD

Causes Of Heartburn:

causes of heartburn

This leads to contents from the stomach leaking back into the esophagus. Stomach acids can irritate the esophagus and cause symptoms of heartburn. Heartburn is caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach). Also called acid reflux, it feels like a image source burning pain typically just behind the breastbone. Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a valve located at the bottom of your esophagus, doesn’t tighten back up or close properly. This allows stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and inflammation.

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Spicy foods or large meals can also be the root of distress. Certain foods may trigger, prolong, or intensify heartburn in people who are sensitive to them. But they typically include spicy or acidic foods and high fat or fried foods that are hard to digest. If it feels like everything you eat is giving you heartburn, you should consult with a doctor. But it may also be due to medications you take or an underlying condition like GERD. Fatty foods increase stomach acid and take longer to digest, so there’s more opportunity for acid to escape.

But eliminating foods that cause heartburn problems may not be enough. Many other factors can also play a role in triggering heartburn and causing GERD. Often, more than one of these factors contributes to acid reflux and heartburn. Stomach ulcers (or peptic ulcers) are sores that develop in the stomach lining due to infections, NSAID use, or tumors. Heartburn is a common symptom of stomach ulcers, along with dull burning sensations in your stomach, a loss of appetite, belching, nausea, and sudden weight loss.

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If a PPI does not help, your doctor may suggest trying a different type of medicine called an H2 receptor antagonist, such as famotidine. If at any time you feel your symptoms are getting worse, contact a GP, go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111. But do not try to achieve the same effect by using additional pillows, as this can increase pressure on your belly and make your symptoms worse. Eosinophilic esophagitis is a type of esophagitis in which an excess number of white blood cells, called eosinophils, are present in the tissue of the esophagus.

Don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions about any of these medications. Many people experience worsening heartburn when they lie down or bend over, because these actions allow stomach acid to move more easily into the esophagus. Other sources of heartburn include aspirin or ibuprofen, visit the website as well as some sedatives and blood pressure medications. Tobacco in cigarettes is known to affect LES function too; cigarette smoking relaxes the muscle, which can result in heartburn. The most common cause is food that’s acidic or high in fat’like citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, cheese, and peppermint.

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GERD is very common in the United States, affecting approximately 20% of the population. You are more likely to have GERD if you are pregnant, a smoker, taking certain medications, or have obesity. Cedars-Sinai’s blog and digital publications tell the stories of thriving patients, dedicated caregivers and brilliant clinician-scientists. Plus, we offer tips on how to live healthfully and make the most of your doctor visits. Spicy foods or large meals can be the root of distress. Surgery in your chest or upper abdomen may have injured your esophagus.

causes of heartburn

Long-term heartburn can also affect your quality of life. See your doctor to determine a course of treatment if you find it difficult to carry on your daily life or are severely limited in your activities due to heartburn. A doctor generally diagnoses heartburn based on your symptoms and medical history, according to the NIDDK. During the appointment when you’re diagnosed, your doctor can recommend a treatment plan.

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Heartburn during pregnancy is a common occurrence that can happen during any trimester. If you’re pregnant with multiples (twins or greater), your chances of having pregnancy-related heartburn may be even higher. In some instances, foul-tasting stomach acid may also flow additional reading up into the mouth. It may also happen if you’re lying flat on your stomach. When heartburn becomes frequent, it can interfere with your daily activities and hamper sleep. If you have severe GERD or it causes complications that medicine can’t help, you might need surgery.

This may be caused by viruses, bacteria, medications, vomiting, or a chronic condition called eosinophilic esophagitis. Irritation in the esophagus may lead to chronic heartburn. Heartburn has nothing to do with a heart attack, except they both cause discomfort in your chest that can sometimes be severe. The biggest difference is a heart attack usually feels like tightening and pressure in your chest, while heartburn feels more like burning. Body weight can put pressure on the stomach and LES, so adding pounds can also cause a sudden onset of acid reflux. Clinical obesity can increase your risk of acid reflux and worsen existing cases.

Several things can cause you to experience heartburn more frequently than typical. Acid reflux becomes more common with age and during pregnancy, but there could be a more serious cause. A weakened LES can allow stomach acid to spill back into your esophagus more easily. Even people with an ‘iron stomach’ in their youth can get heartburn when they age.

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