Heartburn

Heartburn is a medical condition that causes pain, discomfort, and sleepless nights to millions of people. Such sleepless nights can cause fatigue which can, in turn, lead to stress. Heartburn in some people can be manifested by severe chest pains that might be mistaken as a heart attack. Some people may have mild chest pains only.

Heartburn is a very common disorder but a lot of people do not understand what it is, why it happens, what causes it, and how to treat it.

Heartburn is caused by a wide variety of reasons. This condition can be caused by eating a heavy meal just before sleeping. This may also be caused by certain habits such as excessive smoking and drinking. Heartburn can also be caused by vigorous exercise just before eating. Living a stressful life can also cause this condition. However, heartburn can also be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition – including GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophageal cancer.

Some people think that heartburn is the same as indigestion but, in truth, it is just one of the symptoms of the latter. It is also just one of the symptoms of dyspepsia.

It is easy to see that heartburn is associated with a lot of ailments of the digestive system. That is why this can be prevented with the proper diet – less fatty and heavy meals, more fruits and vegetables. Intake of certain foods can also help prevent or treat this medical condition; examples of such food items include papaya, dried figs, apple cider vinegar, and almonds; these foods also help treat dyspepsia. The patient is also advised to eat just the right amount of food – being bloated increases the chances of acid reflux.

Heartburn relief can be achieved through medication although it is still best to try and stop the bad habits that can lead to this. Like excessive eating, smoking can also cause heartburn as the esophageal muscles responsible for capping the stomach’s acids become weak; it is best that the patient tries to stop smoking. Also, it is best to avoid spicy and acidic foods.


If heartburn symptoms persist or worsen, medical attention must be sought immediately even if the person only suspects a mild indigestion as it might be possible that a worse condition caused the symptoms.