Heartburn is a burning pain in the chest, just behind the breastbone, that is sometimes accompanied by a bitter or acidic taste in the mouth, due to stomach acid escaping into the esophagus and irritating its delicate lining. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, when lying down, or when bending over.  

Heartburn has several symptoms, including: 

• A burning sensation in the chest or throat  

• A sore throat or hoarseness 

• Difficulty swallowing 

• A sour taste in the mouth 

• Feeling like food is stuck in the throat 

• Nausea or vomiting 

• Regurgitation of stomach contents into the mouth 

The most common cause of heartburn is acid reflux, which can be triggered by: 

• Overeating 

• Eating spicy or fatty foods 

• Smoking 

• Alcohol intake 

• Using certain medications 

Occasional heartburn is common and usually nothing to worry about. However, persistent heartburn, or heartburn that occurs more than twice a week or every day, can be a symptom of larger problems, such as: 

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter 

• Barrett’s esophagus: occurs when repeated exposure to stomach acid causes changes to esophageal cells, which can transform into a potentially fatal cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma 

• Gastritis: is inflammation of the stomach lining that may be caused by bacteria, infection, chronic vomiting, excessive use of alcohol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen 

• Hiatal hernia: is a condition that occurs when part of the stomach slips through a hole in the diaphragm 

• Esophagitis: is inflammation of esophageal tissue often caused by GERD 

It is important to know that if you are experiencing severe chest pain or pressure, especially in combination with jaw, neck, or back pain, difficulty breathing, or nausea and vomiting, seek medical attention immediately, as you may be experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.  

Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Gastroenterology consists of board-certified gastroenterologists who provide high-quality, expert care to patients suffering from such conditions in inpatient and outpatient settings. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-6742 or 718-206-7001. 

Follow

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.