Heartburn!!! Are you feeling burning sensation in the middle of the chest?
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:
- Your heartburn happens 2 or more times a week
- Your heartburn gets worse
- Your heartburn happens at night and wakes you up from sleep
- You’ve had heartburn now and then, but for several years
- You have difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Your discomfort or pain interferes with your daily activities
Did you know – heartburn is not the only symptom of GERD
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:
- Belching
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Water brash (sudden excess of saliva)
- Dysphagia (the sensation of food sticking in the esophagus)
- A chronic sore throat
- Laryngitis
- Inflammation of the gums
- Erosion of the enamel of the teeth
- Chronic irritation in the throat
- Hoarseness in the morning
- A sour taste
- Bad breath
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.
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