Severe heartburn symptoms often scare patients because they are sometimes mistaken for signs of a heart attack. The pain of heartburn is situated in the chest area and does not always feel like "burning" as the name suggests. Generally, you can tell the difference by noting whether the pain gets worse if you lay or sit down. Being able to recognize heartburn symptoms is as important as understanding the underlying cause of the problem.
Frequency
Usually, heartburn is not a serious problem. Nearly one-third of Americans have heartburn occasionally, and the frequency tends to increase with age. If you are pregnant, you stand a 50-50 chance of suffering from heartburn frequently, but many factors can increase that risk. About 10 percent of the population has chronic heartburn, meaning they must deal with heartburn symptoms daily.
What is Heartburn?
The stomach uses acid to digest food so it can be converted into energy. Sometimes a valve known as the LES at the lower end of the esophagus doesn't close properly. When this happens, stomach acid can seep up into the esophagus. The acid can cause a painful sensation in the esophagus, and may cause damage. When that damage accumulates, or when your valve consistently fails to shut properly, you may have ongoing heartburn.
Portions and Weight
If you suffer from chronic heartburn, avoid activities or conditions that may cause your LES to work improperly. Avoid large portions of food that require more stomach acid; this extra acid can easily seep into your esophagus. Stomach pressure caused by excess weight, including pregnancy, also makes it harder for your LES to work properly.
Foods that Cause Heartburn
Some foods are more likely to give you heartburn than others, namely foods that cause the LES to relax and allow more acid to seep into the esophagus. Common culprits include citrus fruits, garlic, onions, chocolate and high-fat foods.
Behavioral Factors
Certain behaviors may also contribute to LES problems. Smoking, drinking, ingesting high levels of caffeine, taking certain types of medications and being overwhelmed by stress can all lead to heartburn. Smoking and stress increase stomach acid production, while alcohol, caffeine and some medications simply weaken the LES.
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