Understanding Heartburn Symptoms

Many people have experienced the problem of heartburn at one time or another. There are many heartburn symptoms which can occur, which you will learn about in this article. This uncomfortable condition can also be referred to as acid reflux. It occurs when stomach acids flow up into the esophagus, often because the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, does not close as it should.

The most common symptom of this condition is a burning sensation in the chest area. This sensation usually happens shortly after eating and can last from a few minutes to a few hours. You will often find that if you bend over or lie down, it increases the intensity of the discomfort. It may be hard to swallow, you might experience belching, or even a sour, acidic liquid in your throat or mouth.

There are some other less common symptoms of acid reflux that may also occur. You might have trouble swallowing or experience chronic coughing. You could experience wheezing, hoarseness or loss of voice. Sometimes, symptoms are caused by simple acid reflux. Other times, however, the symptoms you experience may be indicative of GERD. GERD is an abbreviation for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and differs from regular heartburn in that it is a disease. GERD is a chronic condition that may last a lifetime but can be treated effectively by your doctor. Common symptoms of GERD are the same as those of heartburn, but there are some other symptoms as well that are not as common. Gingivitis, sinus infections, and bad breath are a few rare GERD symptoms.

The first thing to do if you are experiencing heartburn symptoms on a regular or frequent basis is to see your doctor. He or she will evaluate your symptoms and determine the cause. You may be directed to change your diet or lifestyle. You may also be directed to try an over the counter antacid. For more stubborn or chronic cases, prescription medication may be used. Some commonly prescribed medications for conditions like chronic heartburn or GERD include Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, and Prilosec. Whether or not you will need these types of medicines will be determined by your doctor following a thorough examination and evaluation.

Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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