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Even though the name may sound heart related, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. However the symptoms of heartburn are very similar to a heart attack. Heartburn is also known as acid indigestion, which is an irritation of the esophagus. This irritation is caused by acid, which comes back up, also known as reflux, from the stomach.
As you swallow the food passes down the esophagus to the stomach. Between the stomach and the esophagus there is a muscular valve called the “lower esophageal sphincter.” This valve has two functions the first is to allow food into the stomach and the second is to permit belching. It closes after each use. The stomach will then release strong acids to break down the foods to a useable state. The lower esophageal sphincter is to remain closed, however, if it opens too many times or does not close properly stomach acid will come back up into the esophagus, which causes damage to the esophagus and the burning sensation you feel.
If the stomach acid continually is refluxing or coming back up, it will cause heartburn, but it will also cause esophagitis, which is ulcers, narrowing of the esophagus and will increase the possibility cancer of the esophagus.
Almost everyone has experienced heartburn at one time or another, as an example some pregnant women will only experience heartburn for a short time during pregnancy and then never experience it again at any other time. However it has been reported as many as 60 million Americans experience heartburn or GERD at least once a month. Heartburn is uncomfortable, but does not represent a serious health problem for most people. If heartburn symptoms appear often and continually, it can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, which untreated can cause a number of complications.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a common condition, which affects a small percentage of the population. It is the constant reflux of the stomach acids into the esophagus. The symptoms are heartburn and difficulty in swallowing. If heartburn symptoms present themselves two or more times a week and are persistent, they are most likely caused by GERD.
The severity of the gastroesophageal reflux disease is gauged by the lower esophagus sphincter’s failure to function correctly along with the amount and type of fluid brought up from the stomach. The goals of the treatments are to reduce the amount of reflux in order to reduce the risk of damage to the esophageal lining caused by the substances coming back up. Doctors will also prescribe dietary and lifestyle changes to lessen the reflux of the stomach contents.
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Source by Ted Batron