What are the
SYMPTOMS OF HEARTBURN?
The heartburn symptoms can be described in lots of ways.
- A burning sensation in your chest or throat after eating
- A hot sour or salty tasting fluid in the back of your throat and difficulty swallowing
- Pressure behind the breastbone
- Feeling bloated
- Needing to burp
- Feeling sick
What causes
HEARTBURN?
Heartburn is very common. In most cases, it is caused by acid reflux, which is when the ring of muscle or valve (called the sphincter muscle) at the entrance to your stomach doesn’t close tightly, or relaxes too often, allowing acid from the stomach to travel out and up the oesophagus (food pipe).
- Certain foods can increase the likelihood of heartburn for different reasons. Fried or greasy foods, high fat meats and whole milk dairy products can cause the valve to relax. Caffeinated drinks, coffee, alcohol and spicy foods can all stimulate excess acid production and increase the likelihood of heartburn.
- Some people find they experience heartburn when they are stressed.
- Being overweight means you can be more likely to suffer from heartburn because of increased pressure on your stomach, which can force open the valve after a meal. Even tight clothing can do this.
- Are you suffering from Heartburn? Read some treatment tips to help relieve the symptoms of heartburn.
