Determining the Cause of Heartburn

Heartburn is an uncomfortable condition that causes a variety of symptoms. You may feel a burning sensation in your chest after eating which becomes more intense when you lie down. You may also experience belching which may bring a sour, acidic liquid into your throat or mouth. Some people experience heartburn, or acid reflux, occasionally. Others may find the problem is recurring or chronic. Finding out the cause of heartburn is the first step towards successfully treating it.

One common cause of acid reflux is dietary in nature. There are a variety of foods and beverages that can cause the problem or make it worse. They include:

Fried and/or fat-laden foods
Tomatoes and tomato products
Chocolate
Citrus
Coffee
Alcohol

Smoking can also make heartburn worse. Also, the amount of food consumed at one time can also make a difference. Some people find that they experience the problem less frequently if they eat small, frequent meals rather than a few large ones. What time you eat may also play a role in the occurrence of acid reflux. Often, eating within a few hours of bedtime can make the condition worse.

Another potential cause is the muscle tone or function of the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES. When this is weak, it may not work properly, leading to the resurgence of stomach acid into the esophagus. Other causes may be due to diseases or disorders which include hiatal hernia, gastritis, peptic ulcer or GERD. GERD is an abbreviation for gastroesophageal reflux disease and can effect people of all ages. Even infants can have GERD. The difference between regular heartburn and GERD is that GERD is a disease that is chronic and can last for many years. The good news is, once diagnosed, it can be treated and discomfort can be lessened.

The first step in understanding the cause of heartburn is to see your doctor. In the weeks prior to your visit, keep a journal where you record what you eat, when you eat it, and when you experience uncomfortable symptoms. This will help your doctor evaluate the potential causes of the problem. Once the cause is determined, you will be given treatment options. They may include changes in diet or lifestyle, over the counter medicines like antacids, or prescription medications.

Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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