Symptoms of Heartburn

Heartburn is a condition where the content of the stomach comes back up into the esophagus and throat. The main cause for this is a problem with the lower esophageal sphincter. This is the valve at the base of the esophagus. If this is not functioning correctly it will allow the stomach acids to come back up into the esophagus. Heartburn can also be caused as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle or a bad diet.

Acid reflux causes a sudden pain and burning feeling in the chest and can affect anyone regardless of their age. Its most common symptom is known as heartburn. If you have heartburn more than two or three times a week it is likely you have acid reflux.

If you do not treat acid reflux correctly it can become serious. Treatment should be given immediately to avoid the possibility of damage to the throat, inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders and breathing problems. The symptoms of heartburn are easy to notice so it is important that you get to see your doctor as soon as you notice them.

Acid reflux is very common in children and babies although generally it will disappear as they get older. The most common symptoms in infants are vomiting, spitting, problems with feeding and blood in their feces.

The most common symptoms in adults are:
Chest Pains – These are caused by the acid rising back into the esophagus and traveling back up towards the chest.
Regurgitation – Often caused by the acid in the stomach pushing the food back up the esophagus.
Indigestion – Due to a high acid content in the stomach the food will not digest properly and this will lead to an upset stomach and possibly regurgitation.
Swallowing – Problems with swallowing can lead to aspiration where food and liquids go to the lungs. This will cause choking and can be very dangerous.
Nausea – Nausea is a feeling coming from the top part of the stomach making you feel as if you are going to vomit.
Constant sore throat – This is noticeable if you suffer from most if the above due to the damage caused by the acids rising in your esophagus.
Sleep problems – Lying down can make the condition worse due to the change in your body's angle.
Blood – You may discover blood in your vomit or stools.

If you are suffering from some of these symptoms of heartburn it is a clear sign that there is something wrong and you must seek medical advice. Acid reflux can often cause damage to your esophagus due to long term exposure to stomach acids. It can cause swelling, inflammation and even scarring. If you have frequent acid reflux attacks you may suffer serious complications. It is important to act quickly to your condition to avoid any long term damage to your esophagus.

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