Heartburn is an uncomfortable, burning pain in your chest and throat. Occasional heartburn is common.
You might feel heartburn after every meal. You may even experience it when you haven’t eaten. You might feel heartburn after every meal. You may even experience it when you haven’t eaten.
When heartburn becomes frequent, it can interfere with your daily activities and hamper sleep.
Heartburn is the result of acid reflux. Your stomach produces acid during digestion. When you eat or drink, the muscles of the esophagus, which lead into the stomach, relax.
Certain foods may trigger, prolong, or intensify heartburn in people who are sensitive to them. Food triggers vary from person to person.
Frequent heartburn is most commonly associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a more serious form of acid reflux. In GERD, the reflux is chronic.
Some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications may increase acid reflux or irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing heartburn. Certain supplements may also have this effect.
Talk with a healthcare professional if you have heartburn and suspect it’s due to medication. They can help you weigh the benefits of the drug versus the risks.
If you’re pregnant with multiples (twins or greater), your chances of having pregnancy-related heartburn may be even higher.