What Is Heartburn?

That uncomfortable, burning feeling in your chest after a big meal is something many people experience from time to time. This sensation is commonly known as heartburn. Although the name can be confusing, it has nothing to do with your heart. Occasional heartburn is common, but frequent symptoms may be a sign of a more serious issue.

Understanding what heartburn is, what causes it, and how you can manage symptoms can help reduce discomfort.

What Does Heartburn Feel Like?

Heartburn is a symptom, not a disease. It occurs when stomach acid flows upward into the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat and stomach. The lining of the esophagus is sensitive to acid, which makes symptoms feel uncomfortable.

People often describe heartburn as a burning pain or discomfort in the middle of the chest, just behind the breastbone. It often appears after eating or in the evening and may worsen when lying down or bending forward.

Other common symptoms may include:

• An acidic or bitter taste
• Bringing food back up
• Feeling full or bloated
• Nausea
• A “lump in the throat” sensation
• Frequent burping
• A persistent dry cough
• A sore throat or hoarse voice

Common Heartburn Causes and Triggers

The backup of acid happens when the lower esophageal sphincter—a muscular valve at the bottom of the esophagus—relaxes at the wrong time. When it works correctly, the valve opens to let food into your stomach and then stays closed to prevent acid from rising.

Several foods, drinks, and habits may relax this valve or increase stomach acid, triggering heartburn.

Foods

Spicy foods, onions, citrus fruits, garlic, and tomato-based foods are common triggers. Fatty or fried foods, chocolate, and peppermint may also contribute.

Drinks

Alcohol, coffee, carbonated drinks and tea may lead to heartburn for some people.

Habits

Eating large meals, eating close to bedtime, or lying down soon after eating are common contributors.

Other Factors

Being overweight, smoking, and wearing tight clothing around the waist can increase pressure on the stomach and push acid upward. Stress may also make symptoms feel worse for some people.

Getting Relief Through Lifestyle Adjustments

Identify and Avoid Triggers

Tracking what you eat and when symptoms occur can help you pinpoint which foods or drinks affect you.

Adjust Your Eating Habits

Eating smaller, more frequent meals and chewing thoroughly may help reduce symptoms.

Time Your Meals

Avoid eating within three to four hours of bedtime to give your stomach time to empty before lying down.

Use Gravity

Avoid lying down right after eating. When sleeping, elevating the head of your bed by six to nine inches may help. Using extra pillows typically does not help and may increase pressure.

Make Other Changes

If you are overweight, losing some weight may reduce pressure on your stomach. Stopping smoking is important, as smoking can weaken the esophageal valve. Wearing loose-fitting clothing can also help.

When To Talk With Your Provider

Occasional heartburn is usually not concerning. However, schedule a visit with your primary care provider if symptoms persist or interfere with daily life.

Seek care if you:

• Have heartburn more than twice a week.
• Do not get relief from over-the-counter medicines.
• Have difficulty swallowing.
• Experience ongoing nausea or vomiting.
• Have unexplained weight loss.

Call 911 if you experience severe chest pain or pressure, especially if it spreads to your arm or jaw or is paired with trouble breathing. These symptoms may be signs of a heart attack.

Digestive Care at Baptist Health

If you’re experiencing frequent heartburn or ongoing digestive issues, our gastroenterology team at Baptist Health is here to help. Start by taking a quick Health Risk Assessment to learn more about your digestive health. You can also find a gastroenterologist in our provider directory or call 1.866.413.0817 to speak with our team.