What Does Heartburn 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. The breastbone or sternum is the most common location for heartburn pain. Heartburn is experienced at least once a week for about one in five people.

The non funtion of the lower esophageal sphincter is what causes heartburn. Normally this sphincter is responsible for keeping the contents of the stomach contained in the stomach and separated 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? Sufferers of heartburn will find that episodes can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. You will also find that the pain gets worse if you lie 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.

While this painful, burning sensation is an annoyance, for most people it is never more than that. Further complications can follow on, in some cases, for those of you who suffer from heartburn frequently. Frequent heartburn is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and over the long term it can result in ulcers or even esophageal cancer.

Lifestyle conditions can contribute to heartburn along with smoking. Obesity and pregnancy can both put additional pressure on the stomach, increasing the likelihood of heartburn. Similar pressure can be caused by tight-fitting clothes or tight belts. The frequency of heartburn can be increased through stress or certain medications.

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. If you’re experiencing pain that radiates down your arms or to your shoulders, you should seek the advice of a medical professional, because you may be experiencing angina, which is a symptom of some heart conditions.