Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning pain in the chest caused by stomach acid reflux into the esophagus. It can be triggered by various factors, including diet, lifestyle, and certain medications.

Heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, is characterized by a burning pain in the chest, just behind the breastbone. It occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquids from your mouth to your stomach. This backflow, or acid reflux, can irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause heartburn. Frequent or chronic heartburn can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Contributing factors can include certain foods and beverages (e.g., spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol), large meals, lying down after eating, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and certain medications. Symptoms may include a burning sensation in the chest, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, regurgitation of food or liquid, and difficulty swallowing.