Heart burn - known medically as pyrosis - is a burning sensation or uncomfortable feeling of heat behind the chest, that usually results when stomach acids back up into the esophagus. It usually is encountered when lying down or after eating. Heart burn has nothing to do with the heart although people suffering pain in that region may confuse it with a heart problem. It may occur when eating too much/ too fast, if a person is suffering stress, or just producing too much acid.
Heart burn is typically caused by Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease
(GORD) and occurs when stomach acid leaks into the tube running from
the throat to the stomach (known as the oesophagus). The condition is
also known as 'acid reflux' and is a chronic health problem which will
affect someone for life.
In most cases of GORD, there is no apparent explanation for the condition but the main cause is a weakened muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus. Known as the lower oesophageal sphincter, this muscle opens to allow food into the stomach and then closes to prevent stomach acid leaking back up. People with GORD have a weakened muscle which allows acid to pass into the oesophagus and cause heart burn.
GORD can also be caused by excessive pressure on the stomach or when the stomach takes longer than normal to dispose of stomach acid. There are certain risk factors which increase the likelihood of developing GORD such as:
All these factors can relax or weaken the lower oesophageal sphincter. Other factors that increase the chance of developing GORD include:
The common symptom of heart burn caused by GORD is a burning sensation rising from the stomach into the lower chest. Although referred to as 'heart burn', the acid doesn't actually affect the heart.
Another common symptom of heart burn is acid in the throat or mouth giving a sour and unpleasant taste. This is often experienced first thing in the morning after laying flat while sleeping.
Symptoms of heart burn usually worsen after a large meal or during the night but changes to lifestyle and diet will often give effective relief.
In one-off cases of heart burn the condition can be relieved by over-the-counter remedies but persistent heart burn is a sign of GORD and requires a diagnosis by your GP. Testing isn't always necessary but your GP may suggest a referral for an endoscopy to rule out any serious underlying conditions such as stomach cancer.
An endoscopy involves a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end being passed into the mouth and down the throat to check the condition of the oesophagus and lower oesophageal sphincter. This procedure is carried out while you're awake and is uncomfortable but not painful. You may be offered a sedative to relax you and an anaesthetic spray is applied to the back of the throat.
*Source: GoToSee.co.uk
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