Feb 3, 2010
Heartburn – What Does It Feel Like?
What does heartburn feel like? Heartburn, is an unpleasant conditiion, medically termed pyrosis. Other factors can determine whether or not it is heartburn you are suffering from, although the main feeling is a burning sensation in the chest. Heartburn pain will normally be below the breastbone or sternum. People who suffer from heartburn which is said to be one in five of us, will experience heartburn at least once a week.
If the lower esophageal sphincter does not function properly then this will cause heartburn. The contents of the stomach are normally kept in the stomach by this sphincter, it also separates the stomach from the esophagus. The acidic contents of the stomach will travel up the esophagus if the sphincter malfunctions, this is what creates the burning sensation in the chest.
Does heartburn last long? Heartburn pain lasts anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, and often worsens when the patient is lying down. It can sometimes feel as though food gets stuck in the chest when eating and it can be difficult to swallow. A sour or acidic tasting fluid in the back of the throat may be experienced as the burning sensation travels through the body.
The annoyance of the burning sensation, whilst painful, will never be more than that for most people. Frequent heartburn, however, in some instances, can result to further complications. Gastroesophageal Reflux disease (GERD) is the medical term used for frequent sufferers of heartburn, this can result, over a long period of time into ulcers or even worse esophageal cancer.
Smoking is a big contributing factor to heartburn, but lifestyle conditions can also play a big part. The added pressure that can be caused to the stomach through obesity and pregnancy may increase the liklihood of you suffering from heartburn. Similar pressure can be caused by tight-fitting clothes or tight belts. Stress seems to contribute to heartburn and certain medications are known to increase the frequency of heartburn.
Those who have never had a medical diagnosis of the condition may wonder what does heartburn feel like. In addition, other medical conditions can be mistaken for heartburn, such as angina. If you suspect you may be suffering from heartburn, try making modifications to your diet and lifestyle that may be contributing, to see if it eases the frequency of the pain. The pain should be lessened or eliminated at least on an acute basis by the antacids. Pain that runs down your arms or radiates to the shoulder, could mean more serious conditions and medical advice should be sought instantly.
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