The heartburn is a sensation of localized pain behind the sternum, the bone plate at the middle of the chest. The heartburn is manifested by pain.
Nearly everyone has heartburn now and then. But heartburn is also the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), so talk to your doctor if:
Chronic heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. Acid regurgitation (refluxed material into the mouth) is another common symptom. But numerous less common symptoms other than heartburn may be associated with GERD. These may include:
The diseases responsible for heartburn are gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux, hiatal hernia, esophagitis, stomach cancer, and heart attack (myocardie infraction).
Chest pain may indicate acid reflux. Nevertheless, this kind of pain or discomfort should prompt urgent medical evaluation. Possible heart conditions must always be excluded first.