What's heartburn feel like
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Understanding the Sensation of Heartburn
What is Heartburn?
Heartburn is a common condition characterized by a burning sensation in the chest or throat. This discomfort is often described as a hot, burning feeling that can localize in the throat or the substernal region, which is the area behind the breastbone1.
Causes of Heartburn
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid refluxes back up into the esophagus. This reflux of acid is the primary cause of the burning sensation associated with heartburn2 3. The condition is most commonly linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which is defined by troublesome symptoms and/or physical damage resulting from acid reflux2 3.
Symptoms of Heartburn
The primary symptom of heartburn is a burning sensation in the center of the chest, which can move up toward the throat and neck2 3. This sensation typically occurs after eating and can be accompanied by the regurgitation of stomach acid4.
Heartburn During Pregnancy
Heartburn is particularly common during pregnancy, affecting up to 50% of pregnant women. The condition usually resolves after delivery1. The self-limited nature of pregnancy makes it an ideal period to study heartburn, as it provides a clear timeframe for observing the onset and resolution of symptoms1.
Conclusion
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. It is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease and is particularly prevalent during pregnancy. Understanding the sensation and causes of heartburn can help in managing and treating this uncomfortable condition.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Heartburn in late pregnancy. Manometric studies of esophageal motor function.
Late pregnancy heartburn is common and disappears after delivery, making it an ideal experimental period for studying esophageal motility.
Non-RCT
Large Human Trial
Highly CitedHeartburn and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Heartburn is a common symptom of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), a condition in which stomach acid refluxes up the esophageal tract and causes burning, pain, and discomfort in the chest, throat, and neck.
Heartburn and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease : gastrointestinal tract
Heartburn is a common symptom of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), a condition in which stomach acid refluxes up the esophagus and causes burning sensations in the chest, throat, and neck.
Heartburn and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Heartburn (a form of indigestion or acid reflux) is a painful burning sensation in the chest or throat, which usually occurs after eating. People who experience heartburn at least two to three times a week may have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or GORD. 1,2
Heartburn : gut health
Heartburn is caused by stomach acid returning into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation and sometimes causing a bitter or sour taste in the mouth.
Functional heartburn: the stimulus, the pain, and the brain
Functional heartburn has multiple subgroups and limited response to standard proton pump inhibitors, with potential treatment strategies including increased doses and pain modulators.
Highly CitedFeasibility and acceptability of esophageal-directed hypnotherapy for functional heartburn.
Esophageal-directed hypnotherapy significantly improves heartburn symptoms, quality of life, and catastrophizing in functional heartburn patients.
Non-RCTHeartburn in patients with achalasia.
Patients with achalasia who experience heartburn have lower basal esophageal sphincter pressures than those without heartburn, suggesting achalasia may develop in the setting of underlying gastrooesophageal reflux disease.
Highly Cited