Most
people have experienced heartburn at some time or
the other during their lifetime. Many also go
through life with heartburn as their constant
companion.
But what does heartburn really feel like?
Knowing what heartburn feels like certainly
will help to recognize it and take action to get
rid of it.
It
is important to remember that not everyone who
suffers from heartburn has the same symptoms and
these symptoms do not automatically mean
heartburn. Contrary to its name, heartburn is not
related to heart problems. It is a common
digestive response to overindulging in a big meal
or eating spicy, fried or fatty food. It may also
be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD), a condition in which digestive acid flows
back into the esophagus. Though not very serious
if experienced occasionally, recurring and severe
episodes warrant medical evaluation and
intervention. But whether symptoms are mild or
severe, lifestyle changes can help reduce
heartburn.
Heartburn
normally starts as a burning feeling in the
chest just behind the breastbone and radiates
upwards towards the neck. The feeling of pressure
or pain behind the sternum usually occurs after
eating and may last for up to two hours. The chest
pain may also occur when bending over or lying
down soon after eating. There is a burning
sensation in the throat usually accompanied by
hot, sour, acidic, or bitter taste in the mouth or
at the back of the throat. It may also be a
feeling of food sticking in the middle of the
chest or throat or feels like food rushing back
into the mouth. Heartburn usually occurs in the
evening after a hot spicy meal, or after a meal
that is rushed through or eaten too close to bed
time. Foods like chocolate, creamy desserts,
acidic foods like tomatoes or oranges generally
lead to heartburn. The triggers for heartburn may
vary from person to person. The heartburn during
pregnancy is caused by the hormones as well as the
pressure that is physically exerted by the growing
uterus. Caffeine, alcohol, smoking exacerbate the
symptoms of heartburn.
Generally,
the symptoms of heartburn may be mistaken for
those of heart attack even by experienced staff of
emergency room. Heartburn due to indigestion is
generally not accompanied by sweating or nausea
and occurs after meals. During heart attack the
pain is persistent, is not relieved by antacids
and the heartbeat becomes rapid and irregular and
there is a proportionate rise in blood pressure.
However, it is best to allow a doctor to
distinguish as heart attack is a serious condition
and requires immediate attention.
