What does heartburn feel like? If not, let’s explore how it feels. A common ailment called heartburn can result in an unpleasant burning sensation in the chest. It is often described as a fiery discomfort or a wave of acidic pain that rises from the stomach towards the throat.
Understanding the symptoms and sensations associated with heartburn is crucial for recognizing and managing this condition effectively. In order to assist you better understand and deal with this unpleasant feeling, we will go into great depth about what heartburn feels like in this post.
What does heartburn feel like?
Heartburn typically feels like a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest, often behind the breastbone.
Heartburn is a common symptom that is characterised by a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest area. It typically occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. The sensation of heartburn can vary from person to person, but it is often described as:
- Burning or warmth: Many individuals experience a burning sensation in the chest that may extend upward toward the throat. This burning sensation is often the hallmark of heartburn.
- Chest pain or discomfort: The discomfort associated with heartburn is typically felt behind the breastbone or sternum. It can range from mild to severe, and some people may mistake it for a heart-related issue, although heartburn is unrelated to the heart.
- Sour or acidic taste: Some individuals may also experience a sour or acidic taste in their mouth or throat due to the regurgitation of stomach acid.
- Burping or regurgitation: Heartburn can be accompanied by burping or regurgitation, where a small amount of stomach contents, including acid, may come up into the mouth.
- Worsening with certain activities or positions: Heartburn symptoms can worsen after eating a large meal, lying down, bending over, or engaging in activities that put pressure on the stomach, such as lifting heavy objects.
It’s important to note that chronic or frequent heartburn may be a symptom of a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you experience persistent or severe heartburn symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What are the Symptoms of Heartburn?
The symptoms of heartburn can vary from person to person, but common signs and symptoms include:
- A burning sensation or discomfort in the chest, often behind the breastbone.
- A sour or acidic taste in the mouth, commonly accompanied by regurgitation of stomach acid.
- Pain or discomfort that worsens when lying down or bending over.
- A feeling of fullness or bloating in the upper abdomen.
- Excessive burping or belching.
- Persistent hiccups.
- Coughing or hoarseness, especially when symptoms occur at night.
- Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat.
- Chronic sore throat or a persistent, dry cough.
- symptoms that resemble asthma, include wheezing or tightness in the chest.
Although heartburn is a typical sign of acid reflux, not everyone who suffers heartburn also has acid reflux, and the opposite is also true. A healthcare provider should be seen if you frequently suffer heartburn or are worried about your symptoms in order to receive an accurate diagnosis and the best course of action.
What does it feel like when you have heartburn?
When you have heartburn, you may experience a distinctive set of sensations. The most prominent feeling is a burning sensation and asking What does heartburn feel like? Is it heartburst or another something discomfort in the chest, typically behind the breastbone. This burning experience, which can be mild to severe, is sometimes described as fiery or hot.
You can get a sour or acidic taste in your mouth in addition to the burning sensation because stomach acid is being regurgitated into the oesophagus. This can give a sensation of a bitter or acidic fluid rising up from the stomach.
Additionally, some people could feel pain or discomfort that gets worse when they bend over or lie down. This can be accompanied by a feeling of fullness or bloating in the upper abdomen.
It’s important to note that each person will experience these symptoms differently in terms of their duration and severity. It’s best to see a doctor for a precise diagnosis and the best course of action if you frequently have these sensations or have concerns about your symptoms.
How can I differentiate heartburn from other chest pain?
Differentiating heartburn from other types of chest pain can be important in determining the cause and seeking appropriate medical attention. Here are some factors to consider:
Location: Heartburn typically manifests as a burning sensation behind the breastbone or in the centre of the chest. It is often felt in the lower chest or upper abdomen. Other types of chest pain, such as cardiac-related pain, may radiate to the left arm, shoulder, jaw, or back.
Triggers: Heartburn is often triggered or worsened by certain foods, beverages (like coffee or alcohol), lying down after a meal, or bending over. If your chest pain consistently occurs after eating or specific activities and is relieved by antacids or changes in position, it is more likely to be heartburn.
Character of pain: Heartburn is commonly described as a burning or squeezing sensation. It tends to come and go, and its intensity may increase when swallowing or taking deep breaths. Cardiac-related chest pain, on the other hand, can be described as pressure, tightness, heaviness, or a crushing sensation.
Heartburn may be accompanied by symptoms such as a sour or acidic taste in the mouth, burping, or stomach acid regurgitation. Shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, and discomfort that extends to the left arm or jaw are all possible signs of chest pain that is related to the heart.
It’s important to keep in mind that these recommendations are not final, and it is always advised to seek medical assistance if you are unsure about the reason for your chest pain or have concerns. A healthcare professional can evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and perform any necessary tests to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Can heartburn cause pain in the throat?
Yes, heartburn can cause pain in the throat. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid leaks back into the oesophagus, irritating the delicate lining of the oesophagus and throat and causing a variety of symptoms, including throat pain. The terms “acid reflux throat” and “laryngopharyngeal reflux” (LPR) are frequently used to describe this illness.
The throat pain caused by heartburn can range from mild discomfort to a persistent, burning sensation. A lump in the throat, a sore throat, or overall throat discomfort may be the symptoms. Other associated symptoms can include hoarseness, chronic cough, or the sensation of something stuck in the throat (globus sensation).
It’s crucial to remember that illnesses other than heartburn, such as infections, allergies, or disorders related to the throat, can also produce throat pain. Consult a healthcare provider for a precise diagnosis and the best course of action if you have chronic or severe throat pain. They can evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and perform any necessary examinations or tests to determine the underlying cause.
What triggers the feeling of heartburn?
Several factors can trigger the feeling of heartburn. Here are some common triggers:
- Certain Foods: Spicy, greasy, fatty, or fried foods, as well as citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chocolate, mint, and caffeinated or carbonated beverages, can trigger heartburn in some individuals.
- Overeating: Consuming large meals or eating too quickly can increase the likelihood of experiencing heartburn.
- Consuming alcohol, smoke, and some drugs (such as aspirin and ibuprofen) can irritate the stomach and cause heartburn. Acidic or irritant substances can also cause heartburn.
- Positioning: Lying down or bending over after a meal can allow stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus, leading to heartburn.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can exert pressure on the stomach, resulting in acid from the stomach flowing back up into the oesophagus and producing heartburn.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased pressure on the abdomen during pregnancy can contribute to heartburn.
- Heartburn risk can be raised by a hiatal hernia, which happens when a portion of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm.
- Stress: Emotional stress and anxiety can sometimes worsen symptoms of heartburn.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that everyone has different triggers. Keeping a food diary and paying attention to individual sensitivities can help identify specific triggers for each individual. Making lifestyle modifications and avoiding trigger factors can help reduce the occurrence of heartburn. It is advised to see a healthcare provider for an assessment and suitable management if heartburn symptoms are frequent, severe, or interfere with everyday life.
Is Heartburn a Symptom of a More Serious Condition?
Heartburn itself is typically not a symptom of a more serious condition. The gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux, which happens when stomach acid runs back into the oesophagus, is most frequently linked to it. However, persistent or severe heartburn can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition or complications.
In some cases, chronic heartburn can lead to complications such as esophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus), Barrett’s oesophagus (a precancerous condition), or peptic strictures (narrowing of the oesophagus). These conditions may require medical intervention and ongoing management.
Additionally, some symptoms that may accompany heartburn, such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent cough, or vomiting blood, could indicate a more serious condition. To rule out any underlying medical conditions, a healthcare practitioner should assess these symptoms.
If you have concerns about your heartburn symptoms or experience any worrisome accompanying symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and appropriate management. They can provide a thorough examination, diagnose any underlying conditions if present, and recommend the necessary treatments or interventions.
Frequently Ask Questions FAQs
Q: Is heartburn the same as chest pain?
A: Heartburn can cause chest pain, but not all chest pain is due to heartburn. It’s important to differentiate between heartburn and other potential causes of chest pain.
Q: Does heartburn cause pain in the throat?
A: Yes, heartburn can cause pain or irritation in the throat. It may feel like a sore throat, a lump in the throat, or general throat discomfort.
Q: What triggers heartburn?
A: Heartburn can be triggered by various factors, including certain foods (spicy, fatty, acidic), overeating, lying down after a meal, obesity, stress, and certain medications.
Q: How long does heartburn typically last?
A: The duration of heartburn can vary. It can last for a few minutes to several hours, depending on the individual and the severity of the symptoms.
Q: Can heartburn occur at night or when lying down?
A: Yes, heartburn can occur at night or when lying down, especially if you have eaten a large meal or consumed trigger foods or beverages before bedtime.