Heartburn is very painful sensation or discomfort in the chest area caused by a sudden gastroesophageal reflux. This situation happens when there is a backflow from the stomach that can cause irritation to the esophagus. This discomfort can be felt around the chest at the back the breastbone. This sensation is a result of harsh stomach acid juices that comes in contact with the esophagus. It has a very delicate lining, these tube like is connected to the mouth down to the stomach. This occurs when the acid content of the stomach reach the esophagus by backflow movement.

Heartburn usually occurs after having a heavy meal or after drinking alcohol. A lot of people can irritate when they bend over their body or just by lying down. The frequency of attack of acid reflux varies from one individual to another. For some individual it may happen very rarely. But, for some it may happen several times a week. Heartburn is just a symptom of a certain condition called gastroesophageal reflux. A specialized muscle called sphincter or lower esophageal sphincter (LES) can be found at the lower part of the esophagus. This specialized muscle tends to open or close every time you are swallowing to permit the food to pass through the stomach. This muscle automatically closes quickly to prevent the reflux of food and other stomach juices back in our esophagus.

However, the function of LES is not always perfect. Acid reflux occurs when sphincter relaxes or it is too weak. This situation will allow the backflow of the stomach juices thus, creating a heartburn sensation.

This condition is common especially if you are eating heavy meals every day. Statistically found out that almost 10% of total population is experiencing this kind of sensation. Even though it is a very common thing, it is definitely not a life threatening condition. Severe cases of acid reflux affect or injured the lower esophagus. It only requires several mild treatments. In some cases of frequent acid reflux, it may be a symptom of a much serious condition like the gastroesophageal disease or (GERD). If not treated immediately it may result to inflammation and stomach ulcer called esophagitis. Individuals with this kind of ailment can develop strictures or narrowing of the esophagus lining due to wound tissue. Individuals who suffer from GERD can eventually develop Barrette’s esophagus. This is a severe damage of the esophagus and can lead to increase risk of having esophageal cancer.

Heartburn and GERD can be treated as long as there is a constant communication, and check with the right doctors that specialized in these cases. To treat heartburn one may just modified his diet by eating foods that are not heavily spice. Spices can worsen your heartburn. Also, avoid foods that are high in fat, high fattening foods can produce more acid in the stomach. Long hours of starvation can also trigger heartburn. It is due to the too much production of acid that are not being used.

Jason Ladock

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