Heartburn usually occurs minutes after eating and is caused by the reflux of stomach acid from the stomach up the esophagus. Although heartburn is a very common condition, the symptoms of heartburn are at times mistaken to be symptoms of heart attack.
There have been many cases when people rush to the hospital thinking they are suffering from a life-threatening condition after experiencing heartburn symptoms. Heartburn is far from life-threatening but it could be a symptom of a more serious disease like GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, a regularly occurring reflux that spans a lengthy period of time and may indicate an already damaged LES.
It is then imperative to know the various symptoms of heartburn for you to be able to recognize the problem at once and get immediate treatment or help about it. Heartburn which goes untreated may lead to more serious complications in the digestive system.
Symptoms of Heartburn You Must Be Aware Of
· A burning sensation in the upper abdomen. The burn is caused by the acid passing through the esophagus which is more sensitive and vulnerable to the corrosive effects of the acids.
· Sour tasting fluids in the throat and mouth.
· Burning sensation in the throat.
· Difficulty in swallowing accompanied by a feeling of food sticking in the throat. This symptom is usually felt when the esophagus has already been severely injured by frequent acid reflux. An indication of a damaged esophagus is when food feels abrasive even if chewed.
· Chest pain particularly when you bend or lie down after a meal. This is one of the symptoms of heartburn which is usually mistaken for a heart attack. The pain is caused by the pressure applied by the stomach contents as they force their way up the esophagus. This pain concentrates on the chest then goes up the throat, unlike chest pain caused by heart attack, the pain does not spread on the arms.
· Chronic cough is another heartburn symptom. Coughing is caused by breathing in the acidic fumes as they reach the throat area irritating the respiratory tract. Chronic cough can result to wheezing and even asthma. The corrosive nature of the acidic fumes may also result in infections as it damages the respiratory tract.
The symptoms of occasional heartburn can be eased by taking antacids and other over the counter treatments. However for heartburn which is felt more frequently, OTC medications may not be very effective. If you feel the symptoms of heartburn more than twice a week, you may already be suffering from severe acid reflux or GERD. It is best to consult a physician if this is the case so as to find out your best treatment options.
Take a Look Here
You can find out more about symptoms of heartburn by clicking here
You can find other helpful information and advice about treating heartburn here
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