Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Heartburn, also known as acid reflux or gastric reflux (GERD), is an uncomfortable burning or burning sensation in the center of the chest, just behind the sternum. Heartburn can be very painful, and it's important to get it treated if you have it. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step in making a diagnosis.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Recognize the symptoms of heartburn

1. 

   Note the burning sensation in your chest. A common symptom of heartburn is a burning sensation in the throat and chest that occurs after eating. Heartburn is also known as acid reflux for the following reasons: stomach acid backs up into your esophagus when it's not closed, causing a burning sensation.

2. 

   
   
   Note how you feel after you eat. Heartburn can occur minutes to hours after eating. This phenomenon may last only a few seconds, or hours, sometimes occurring and disappear during that time. Also, if you have heartburn, it can get worse after you eat.

3. 

   
   
   Notice how the pain gets worse when you lie down. Lying or bending down can lead to or increase the severity of heartburn. Acid reflux occurs when the subesophageal sphincter lets acid back up into the esophagus, so gravity can be applied to your body while you lie down. At this point, acids can easily flow up into the esophagus.

4. 

   
   
   Note the burning sensation in your throat. You will only notice these symptoms when heartburn becomes severe.Sometimes the acid gets back up into your throat, causing you to notice an acid taste or feel hot. This symptom can make you cough and have difficulty swallowing for a few minutes.

5. 

   Note that the GERD does not appear heartburn. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common and serious form of acid reflux. However, you can still get these without feeling heartburn. Symptoms of GERD without heartburn include hoarseness when you wake up, chest pain (no hot flashes), and the feeling that your throat is stuck on something. advertisement

Part 2 of 4: Distinguishing heartburn from other illnesses

1. 

   Distinguish between acid reflux and a heart attack. A heart attack causes a feeling of tightness in the chest. You may experience jaw or back pain in addition to chest pain as well as hand pain. Pain is different from heartburn pain that usually occurs in the chest and produces a burning sensation.
   • However, acid reflux can be a sign of a heart attack, so if you are unsure, you should see your doctor.
   • Other heart attack symptoms include cold sweats, shortness of breath, feeling tired, dizzy or lightheaded, accompanied by jaw and hand pain.

2. 

   Understand how asthma is similar to GERD. You may be diagnosed with asthma if you cough frequently after eating or have trouble breathing. However, sometimes acid reflux behaves like asthma. The best way to tell if you have acid reflux is whether it's common at night or when you're lying down. Ask your doctor about determining whether asthma is acid reflux or metabolic acidosis if you think acid reflux is making asthma worse.

3. 

   Watch for GERD with ear, nose, and throat problems. GERD works on these, so it can sometimes be confused with laryngitis. GERD can also happen if a cough persists or a sore throat. If problems become chronic, you should ask your doctor about the possibility of having GERD. advertisement

Part 3 of 4: Knowing when to see a doctor

1. 

   Go to the emergency room if you have severe chest pain. If you have severe chest pain, you should call an ambulance or go to the emergency room whether or not you have acid reflux. This could be a heart attack instead of acid reflux.

2. 

   Go to the emergency room if you have other symptoms of a heart attack. If you have trouble breathing, are dizzy, or have a cold sweat, go to the emergency room or call an ambulance. You need to have your heart checked to make sure it's safe.

3. 

   See your doctor if you have chronic heartburn. Frequent heartburn or having chronic night symptoms are signs of GERD. It can also cause complications, such as food stuck under the esophagus. In addition, if your symptoms cannot be controlled, you may be at a higher risk of developing other diseases, such as complications or cancer of the esophagus.
   • Treatment includes over-the-counter medications and antacids and proton pump inhibitors. You need to talk to your doctor about your symptoms as there are now a variety of medications that can effectively remedy your condition.

4. 

   See your doctor if your stools are black or bloody. Also see your doctor if you are vomiting blood or if you notice food is stuck in your esophagus. This could be a sign that acid reflux has turned into a complication. Some other serious signs include a feeling of choking or unexplained weight loss. advertisement

Part 4 of 4: Identifying risk factors for heartburn

1. 

   Understand that weight gain can cause heartburn. Excess fat puts pressure on your stomach to push acid up your esophagus.

2. 

   Note that you can experience heartburn during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone is released into the bloodstream to relax the walls of the uterus. However, this hormone can stretch the esophageal sphincter, causing acid reflux. Furthermore, the growing baby puts additional pressure on the stomach.

3. 

   Realize that smoking can cause heartburn. Tobacco also acts on the lower esophageal sphincter and weakens it. As a result, you are at a higher risk of developing acid reflux.

4. 

   Be aware of foods and drinks that increase your risk of heartburn. For example, spicy and fatty foods can lead to heartburn. Sour foods, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit, can also cause problems. You can also get heartburn from eating chocolate, mint, and onions. Drinks like alcohol and caffeine can also cause heartburn.

5. 

   Know that some medications can cause heartburn. The most popular drug in this group is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). They both cause heartburn and make it worse if you have one. advertisement

Advice

• If you have these symptoms, keep an eye on when you have heartburn. Write down the time and date of symptoms, as well as what foods have been eaten before. This helps you recognize foods that cause heartburn.

Warning

• If you experience these symptoms frequently, you should talk to your doctor about possible treatments.