Heartburn occurs when stomach acids flow back up into the esophagus and can cause a burning, uncomfortable feeling in the chest, just behind the breastbone.
Occasional heartburn is usually not a cause for concern and can be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. However, frequent heartburn that occurs every day may be a sign of something more serious.
Learn about what causes frequent heartburn and what may be triggering the discomfort.
What causes frequent heartburn?
Normally when we swallow, a band of muscle around the bottom part of the esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into the stomach for digestion. The muscle tightens again to prevent the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus.
If something causes the lower esophageal sphincter to relax abnormally or become weak, stomach acids can flow back up into the esophagus (acid reflux) and cause heartburn.
Triggers that can lead to frequent heartburn may include:
- Foods and drinks: Certain foods and drinks can cause heartburn, such as:
- Body positioning: Acid reflux is often worse when lying down or bending over.
- Pressure: Anything that increases the pressure on the stomach such as lifting, straining, coughing, tight clothing, obesity, and pregnancy can trigger heartburn.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as hiatal hernia, diabetes, and many autoimmune diseases (CREST syndrome and scleroderma) can cause heartburn.
- Medications: Heartburn can be a side effect of some prescription medications including blood pressure and heart medications and the asthma drug theophylline.
What are the symptoms of heartburn?
Symptoms of heartburn include:
- Burning sensation in the chest
- Chest pain
- Foul taste in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling of a lump in the throat
What are complications of frequent heartburn?
Possible complications of frequent heartburn include:
- Ulcers
- Esophageal stricture (abnormal narrowing of the esophagus)
- Vomiting blood
- Blood in stools
- Hoarseness, chronic cough, sore throat, or tooth damage
- Thickened or damaged esophagus that is vulnerable to cancer
What can relieve and prevent heartburn?
For mild symptoms, simple lifestyle modifications and medications may be enough to manage the discomfort. Other treatment options include acid blockers and even surgery.
In the majority of cases, taking the following precautions can offer relief from heartburn and prevent it from turning into a more serious problem:
- Following a diet that limits spicy and fatty foods
- Eating smaller more frequent meals rather than 2-3 large meals
- Avoiding eating 2-3 hours before bedtime
- Elevating the head of your bed prior to lying down
- Avoiding wearing tight-fitting clothes
- Avoiding heavy lifting and straining
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
- Quitting smoking
SLIDESHOW
Digestive Disorders: Common Misconceptions See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Medically Reviewed on 5/20/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Image
https://www.aaaai.org/Conditions-Treatments/related-conditions/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/g/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerdheartburn.html
https://www.aaaai.org/Conditions-Treatments/related-conditions/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/g/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerdheartburn.html
Complete List
Top Why Do I Keep Getting Heartburn Every Day Related Articles
28 Tips to Get Rid of Heartburn at Night
What to know about nighttime heartburn relief. Learn foods to avoid, lifestyle changes, and medications for heartburn.
aluminum hydroxide/magnesium trisilicate
Aluminum hydroxide/magnesium trisilicate is a combination medication used to relieve symptoms of acid indigestion and heartburn due to acid reflux. Common side effects of aluminum hydroxide include stomach cramps, constipation, fecal impaction, hemorrhoids, nausea, vomiting, chalky taste, rebound hyperacidity, softening of bones (osteomalacia), and others. Common side effects of magnesium trisilicate include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, lethargy, drowsiness, lightheadedness, and high magnesium levels in blood (hypermagnesemia).
Beyond Food: What Triggers Heartburn and GERD?
Heartburn is the burning sensation in the chest due to backflow or reflux of the acidic stomach contents into the food pipe (esophagus). Heartburn is a major symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.cimetidine, Tagamet HB
Cimetidine (Tagamet) is a drug prescribed for the treatment of GERD, duodenal ulcers, active gastric ulcers, Zollinger Ellison syndrome, heartburn, indigestion; and the prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding. Minor side effects include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. Consult your doctor before taking if pregnant or breastfeeding.citric acid/sodium citrate
Citric acid/sodium bicarbonate is a combination antacid medication used for the temporary relief of upset stomach, including sour stomach, heartburn, and acid indigestion. Use with caution if you are on a sodium-restricted diet. Side effects of citric acid/sodium bicarbonate include gas (flatulence), abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fluid retention, and excessive alkalinity of body fluids (alkalosis). Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.famotidine
Famotidine is a drug prescribed for the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers, heartburn, esophagitis, GERD, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The most commonly reported minor side effects of famotidine are constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. Other important side effects include anemia, confusion, easy bruising or bleeding, hair loss, and rash. Consult with your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
GERD (Acid Reflux, Heartburn)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also called acid reflux, can cause symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and nausea. Learn about causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Heartburn Foods Slides
Learn the symptoms of heartburn and which foods cause heartburn or GERD. Discover home remedies and which foods may provide treatment for heartburn relief.
Acid Reflux (Heartburn, GERD): Symptoms & Remedies
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux that causes chest pain when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Heartburn symptoms may mimic chest pain that occurs during a heart attack. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may produce other symptoms.juniper
Dried juniper berries, berry oil and extracts, juniper bark, and other plant parts have been used orally and topically for centuries as traditional medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments, including gastrointestinal and urinary issues, and skin and inflammatory conditions. Studies indicate juniper has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer, as well as blood sugar, blood fat, and blood pressure lowering properties. Do not use if you have kidney inflammation, juniper can irritate the kidneys. Do not use if you are pregnant, juniper may induce uterine contraction and cause miscarriage. Avoid if you are a nursing mother. Common side effects of juniper include diarrhea, stomach ache, kidney ache, blood in the urine (hematuria), albumin in urine (albuminuria), increase in heart rate, skin irritation, blisters, dermatitis, and nasal congestion.lansoprazole (Heartburn Relief 24 Hour, Heartburn Treatment 24 Hour, Prevacid 24)
Lansoprazole (Heartburn Relief 24 Hour, Heartburn Treatment 24 Hour, Prevacid 24HR, Prevacid, Prevacid SoluTab) is in a class of drugs called PPIs (proton pump inhibitors). Prevacid capsules are available over-the-counter. Other forms of lansoprazole are by prescription only. Lansoprazole is for the treatment of GERD, treating ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Side effects, safety information, warnings and precautions and drug interactions should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
magnesium hydroxide
Magnesium hydroxide, also known as milk of magnesia, is used to relieve occasional constipation and to treat heartburn and acid indigestion. Common side effects of magnesium hydroxide include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stools, rectal bleeding, dehydration symptoms (dry mouth, extreme thirst, reduced urination, dizziness, electrolyte imbalance), and high magnesium in blood (hypermagnesemia). Occasional use of magnesium hydroxide in recommended doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding is generally considered safe.omeprazole
Omeprazole, omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate is a proton pump inhibitor drug (PPI) prescribed for the treatment of ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, duodenitis, erosive esophagitis, heartburn, and H. pylori infection. Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient information should always be reviewed prior to taking any medication.Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce the production of acid in the wall of the stomach (that produces acid) thereby preventing ulcers and assists in the healing of ulcers that exist on the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. PPIs are prescribed for the prevention and treatment for acid-related conditions such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. PPIs may also be used in combination with antibiotics for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori.10 Fast Acting Ways to Relieve Heartburn
What do you need to know about heartburn remedies? Learn the foods that cause heartburn, quick home remedies, and the rules of avoiding heartburn pain. Should you try aloe juice or apple cider vinegar for heartburn? Find out here.
What Can Heartburn Be a Sign of?
Heartburn symptoms may indicate a bigger health concern. Learn more about heartburn, heartburn symptoms, heartburn related to other health conditions, how it's diagnosed, and your treatment options for heartburn.
What Should I Eat for Dinner to Avoid Heartburn?
Acid reflux takes place when the acid from your stomach touches the esophagus, causing pain and irritation. Good foods to eat for dinner to avoid heartburn include leafy greens, non-citrus fruits, ginger, oatmeal, healthy fats, seafood and aloe vera juice.When Should You Worry About Heartburn?
Heartburn is usually not a cause for concern. However, if the pain is persistent or frequent, it could be a sign of something more serious. Here are signs to look out for.