MAIN Health Pain Heartburn

Heartburn (also known as pyrosis or acid indigestion) does not, as most people think, have anything to do with the heart — although there are certain heart conditions or symptoms such as chest muscle pain which can closely mimic the symptoms of heartburn.

Rather, heartburn is a stomach condition, which is good news because unlike many serious heart conditions, heartburn is relatively easily treated.

Heartburn causes

Heartburn is caused by gastric acid being regurgitated up in to the esophagus. The gastric acid is what causes the painful burning sensation associated with heartburn, which is typically located slightly below the breast bone, although it will often spread up farther into the throat.

Even for those who do not experience heartburn very often, the condition may be brought about by overly spicy or fatty foods, tomatoes or citrus fruits, frequent coffee or alcohol consumption, or even lack of sleep or stress may cause excess acid, resulting in the pain and discomfort of heartburn.

Heartburn prevention & treatment

Heartburn being such a common localized pain, there are many treatments available. The best way to deal with heartburn, however, is to prevent it before it ever becomes a problem.

Dietary modifications are especially important. One preventative technique is eating smaller, more frequent meals, which will reduce the amount of gastric acid produced. Another way to prevent heartburn is to avoid common foods (see above) which cause the stomach to produce large amounts of gastric acid.

If prevention doesn't work, there a number of heartburn treatments available. The simplest is to take an antacid, which does not actually prevent gastric acid from coming in to contact with the inner lining of the esophagus, but rather neutralizes the acid. Such over-the-counter remedies are a quick fix to relieve pain.

more in Health: Digestive System

For those who suffer chronic heartburn, other remedies are available such as H2 blockers which reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. While they don’t relieve symptoms immediately, H2 blockers relieve symptoms for a longer period of time than antacids.

While occasional acid indigestion is not usually dangerous, frequent bouts of heartburn have been shown to correlate with other much more serious conditions, such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and esophageal cancer, and so experts usually suggest a doctor's visit for those who suffer habitual or chronic heartburn.

More about heartburn relief around the Web:

WebMD Heartburn Health Center - Comprehensive guide to heartburn and GERD with information on its causes and treatment and foods to avoid.

Mayo Clinic - Heartburn - Expert tips on treatment and prevention, possible complications, home care remedies, and advice on when to see a doctor.

Natural Remedies for Heartburn - About.com guide with focus on lifestyle changes and foods to avoid with information on aloe juice and herbal remedies.

Food Remedies - Heartburn - Suggested foods high in choline, pantothenic acid, bromelaine, and thiamin that may help with digestion with related recipes.

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