Heartburn
Summary
Heartburn is a painful burning feeling in your chest or throat. It happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.
If you have heartburn more than twice a week, you may have GERD. But you can have GERD without having heartburn.
Pregnancy, certain foods, alcohol, and some medications can bring on heartburn. Treating heartburn is important because over time reflux can damage the esophagus.
Over-the-counter medicines may help. If the heartburn continues, you may need prescription medicines or surgery.
If you have other symptoms such as crushing chest pain, it could be a heart attack. Get help immediately.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.
Acid Reflux
American College of Gastroenterology
Acid Reflux (GER and GERD) in Adults
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Heartburn
American Academy of Family Physicians
Heartburn
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Esophageal pH Test
National Library of Medicine
Heartburn or Heart Attack: When to Worry
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Upper GI Series
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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