Causes Of Frequent Heartburn

The stomach is a marvelous organ that is critical in maintaining the health of the individual. This is because the stomach is the receptacle for the food that is eaten. It is through the processing of this food by the stomach that the major digestive action of assimilating the food into energy is accomplished. This in turn provides the proper nutrients that the body needs.

However, like any other major organ in the body, when something goes wrong, it can be extremely painful. One of those conditions that could negatively develop for the individual is the condition known as heartburn. Before talking about the causes of the frequent heartburn, it is important to know what heartburn is.

What Is Heartburn?

Heartburn is that medical condition in which the sufferer experiences a burning sensation in the esophagus. Anatomically, the esophagus runs vertically from the throat area down to the stomach.



Often, the reason why the individual experiences heartburn is that hydrochloric acid, found in the stomach, is released into the esophagus and can travel in distance to an individual’s mouth. Hydrochloric acid is that secretion found in the stomach that helps in the beginnings of the digestive process.

Generally, this burning sensation is located in the middle of the chest or near the heart. Therefore, because it’s a burning sensation located near the heart, the associated pain and feeling of being on fire gives rise to the name of heartburn.

In addition to the pain experienced under the sternum or breastbone, the pain may also radiate up through the throat or near the neck area or near the jaw. Each of these individual areas may be affected or there may be a pain experienced by all of these anatomical areas. Another characteristic of heartburn can be an associated cough.

What Are Causes of Frequent Heartburn

There are several causes of frequent heartburn that may precipitate an episode or episodes of heartburn. Some of those reasons could be the individual’s dietary habits, lifestyle choices, or a malfunction within the proximal end of the stomach or a malfunctioning sphincter muscle.

For example, when it comes to dietary habits, an individual may eat a lot of acidic foods. This acidity in turn causes hyperacidity which in turn causes a need for the stomach to release excessive acid in the stomach.

Another cause of frequent heartburn in an individual may be due to lifestyle choices. Some of those lifestyle choices that can cause hyperacidity can be overeating, consuming caffeine, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, etc.

In addition, one other cause of frequent heartburn due to the release of acid from the stomach is due to the weakening of the sphincter muscle at the top portion of the stomach. If this muscle is damaged or does not hold its elasticity it allows the release of the hydrochloric acid back up into the esophagus. This is known as GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disease.

It is also important to note that many individuals who experience heartburn utilize different types of treatment methods. Some of those treatment methods can include the use of heartburn medicine, controlling diet, losing weight, or a combination of all of these treatment methods.


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Causes Of Chronic Heartburn

Heartburn is the most common symptom for acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux. It is a feeling or burning sensation felt in the chest just behind breastbone, and gives the uncomfortable feeling of liquid or food rising up the esophagus. This burning sensation is caused by the acidic juices of stomach that manage to escape from stomach, and irritate the lining of esophagus. Unlike Stomach, esophagus is not protected from the corrosive effect of digestive juices.

Chronic heartburn is a serious disorder of digestive tract, and is not easily cured by antacids or home remedies. The pain can however be alleviated by improving the eating habits.

Causes of Chronic Heartburn

Chronic heartburn is usually an indicator of some other medical condition such as Barrett’s esophagus, Hiatal hernia, GERD or esophagitis, and in extreme conditions, esophageal cancer.



It has been observed that women suffer more often with chronic heartburn as compared to men. Frequent malfunction of esophageal sphincter is the main cause of chronic heartburn in females. Swollen belly that puts pressure on the stomach is the cause of heartburn during pregnancy.


Obesity is another common cause of chronic heartburn, and clinically obese people are at higher risk of suffering from this condition, as excess fat puts extra pressure on the stomach and pushes the stomach acid up. If excess weight is not shed, the heartburn can become more severe.

Genetic factor can also be the cause of severe heartburn, and some races are more prone to suffer from this disorder as compared to others. Hiatal hernia in which the small part of stomach lies in chest can also be the cause of severe heartburn.

Heartburn is caused by acid flowing back in the esophagus, and any food that increases the production of stomach acid can be the cause of severe heartburn. There are certain foods that we eat and drink everyday that can be the irritants, such as caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits, grapefruit and chocolates.

Some of the other factors that can be the cause of severe heartburn include straining to pass stool, straining to urinate and eating rich and large meals. Mild or moderate heartburn can be treated with home remedies or over the counter medications, but severe and chronic heartburn needs medical attention. Many heartburn cases however can be prevented by making simple changes in the diet, habits and daily activity. Talk to your doctor about foods that must be avoided, and limit alcohol intake and smoking. Losing weight not only helps alleviate heartburn symptoms, but is also good for overall health.


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Common Causes Of Heartburn : Heart Attack Or Heartburn

When an individual is suffering from heartburn they may think that they are experiencing a heart attack. This is because the symptoms between having a heart attack and an episode of heartburn can be similar in nature.

Therefore, it is important to know what the differences between the symptoms of a heart attack and an episode of heartburn are. Also, it is important to know what are some of the triggers or common causes of heartburn.

Differences between Heartburn and Heart Attack

There are many similarities between an episode of heartburn and a heart attack. Some of those similarities include chest pain, pain that radiates up into the throat and also extends into the jaw area. However, it is important to note that there are a number of differences between an actual heart attack and heartburn.



First of all, one of the major differences is the anatomical area that’s affected by heartburn and by a heart attack. Specifically, when an individual is having heartburn the areas of the body that can be affected include the stomach, esophagus and oral cavity. Whereas, when an individual has a heart attack their heart is affected. Generally, a heart attack is caused when the blood supply to the heart is obstructed. This blood supply is carried by the coronary arteries.

What Are Some Common Causes of Heartburn

There are many causes that can contribute to an isolated case of heartburn or an ongoing chronic condition. Some of those common causes of heartburn can be attributed to lifestyle choices, dietary habits, stress or a combination of each of these common causes of heartburn.

For example when it comes to lifestyle choices, the individual may be overweight or indulge in a smoking habit. Either one of these lifestyle choices can contribute to an isolated case of heartburn or maybe a cause of frequent heartburn.

Additionally, when it comes to dietary habits, the individual may choose to eat spicy, fatty or fried foods. Each of these types of food or preparation of food substances can be a common cause of heartburn.

In addition, because of the stress levels that one may experience, there may be a related increase in the frequency of heartburn. This is due to the fact that an increase in stress levels correspondingly increases the flow or secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Subsequently, this excess acid in the stomach may lead to Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease or may even produce ulcerations within the stomach.

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A Guide To Causes Of Severe Heartburn

Heartburn is the sensation of warmth, burning, pain or heat in the upper abdomen, just below the breastbone. The pain may spread to the throat, and there may be sour taste in mouth. Heartburn is also called as sour stomach, acid regurgitation, pyrosis or indigestion and it has nothing to do with the heart.

Heartburn may cause some problems such as burping, bloating, nausea or difficulty in swallowing. It may also cause chronic cough, wheezing, choking episodes, asthma or sleeping problems in some people.

Common Causes of Severe Heartburn

Esophagus is the tube that leads from throat to stomach. Heartburn occurs when stomach juices and food go back up in the esophagus, and this process is known as gastroesophageal reflux.



Incomplete closing of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) between stomach and esophagus can be the cause of severe heartburn. Certain foods and drinks such as peppermint, chocolate, sugars, fatty foods, fried foods, alcohol, coffee and carbonated drinks can also be the causes of severe heartburn. If you are already suffering from heartburn, backflow of stomach acids can make esophagus more sensitive to other foods as well, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, onions and spicy food.

Frequent bending over, tight clothes, obesity, pregnancy, vigorous exercise and straining bowel movements can put the pressure on stomach and become the cause of severe heartburn. There are certain prescription and non-prescription medicines such as prednisone, aspirin, iron, ibuprofen, antihistamines, potassium and sleeping pills that can be the causes of severe heartburn. Hiatal hernia, which occurs when a part of stomach pushes upward through diaphragm, or stress, which increases the amount of acid in the stomach, may also be the cause of severe heartburn.

Eating too fast, consuming large portions of food at a time, oily or spicy food and eating just before going to bed can also be the causes of severe heartburn.

Most of the babies spit up, but once esophagus becomes more coordinated, the spitting up reduces. Children who vomit more often during first two years of their life are at higher risk of having reflux and heartburn problems later in life.

Knowing the cause of severe heartburn and cause of chronic heartburn can help with quick diagnosis and timely treatment. Avoid foods that cause this problem, and additionally, eat healthy food and exercise regularly. Avoid wearing tight clothes, and maintain good body posture. Try to eat 2-3 hours before bedtime, and take a walk after dinner. Heartburn can be cured with some simple home heartburn remedies or over the counter medication, but in case it persists, it is advisable to seek medical help.

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Causes Of Heartburn During Pregnancy

When a pregnancy is announced in the life of a family it is often met with a joyous reaction. This is because a new life will be brought into the world and is a reflection of a love shared between two individuals.

However, the process of a pregnancy normally takes nine months and during this course of nine months a number of unpleasant things occur. For example there may be for the woman a weight gain, retention of water, back pain, etc.

In addition, the pregnancy may bring on episodes of heartburn. Therefore, it is important to know what heartburn is and what some causes of heartburn during a pregnancy are.

What Is Heartburn?

Heartburn is that uncomfortable condition in which acid from the stomach is released backwards and flows upward into the esophagus and sometimes into the mouth. The actual burning is caused by the reflux of hydrochloric acid into the sensitive esophageal area where the tissue is unprotected and is literally burned by the affects of the acid.



The location of heartburn is usually in the middle of the chest right underneath the sternum or breastbone. In addition, associated pain is not only a burning sensation that is experienced in the esophagus, but may extend upwards into the throat and jaw area

There are a number of common causes of heartburn. Some of those common causes of heartburn can include an individual’s choice of lifestyle. Some of those lifestyle choices could be the spicy food that they eat or the way that the food is prepared or the food that is actually consumed. In addition, heartburn can be attributed to all of these factors or combination of factors.

Also, heartburn can be caused by an individual’s consumption of too much alcohol, smoking or use of other tobacco products. In addition, another contributing factor to heartburn can be if an individual is overweight. This excess weight can put too much strain upon the stomach which allows the leakage of hydrochloric acid back up into the esophagus.

One other factor that may cause heartburn is a non-functioning sphincter muscle which is located at the top of the stomach. If this sphincter muscle is weakened or loses its elasticity, this condition may allow the leakage of hydrochloric acid back up into the esophagus.

What Are Some Causes Of Heartburn During Pregnancy

One other contributing factor to heartburn can be when a woman gets pregnant. Specifically, causes of heartburn during pregnancy can be attributed to a number of factors. Generally, heartburn occurs during the third trimester of a woman’s pregnancy.

One of the major causes of heartburn during pregnancy is due to the fact that the pregnant woman’s hormones cause many physical changes. One of those physical changes is that the stomach sphincter located at the top of the stomach relaxes. This relaxation allows the acid to flow upwards into the esophagus.

In addition another common cause of heartburn during pregnancy is due to the fact that the stomach is not as active when the woman is pregnant as it is when she is not pregnant. Therefore, this sluggishness slows down the digestive process and allows for excess hydrochloric acid to remain in the stomach. The excess acid needs to be released and unfortunately that excess is released backwards into the esophagus.

One other major cause of heartburn during pregnancy is the fact that the DV begins to develop and grow within the others won’t. This growing of the child in the womb begins to crowd the abdomen which can then precipitate a heartburn condition.


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A Guide To Causes Of Heartburn

A digestive disorder in which stomach’s gastric acids regurgitate in esophagus, causing burning sensation and irritation in the chest is called heartburn. When it gets worse, the pain can spread till throat, neck and jaw. It is very easy to confuse the heartburn symptoms with those of heart attack, as heartburn pain originates from the region just under the breastbone but heartburn has nothing to do with the heart.

Causes of Heartburn

Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is the protective one-way muscular valve that separates stomach from esophagus, the food pipe. When LES becomes dysfunctional or weak, the gastric acid enters esophagus, causing heartburn. The heartburn can be caused by the increased upward pressure on valve, weakening of the valve muscles, or increased production of stomach’s gastric acids.

There are many factors that slacken the valve muscles, such as smoking, chewing tobacco, certain types of foods and consumption of alcoholic beverages.



The factors that increase the upward pressure on the valve causing the heartburn are eating large portions of food, pregnancy, eating oily and gas producing foods, sleeping on full stomach, wearing very tight clothes and bending down often.

Factors that increase the production of stomach’s gastric acids are oily and fatty foods, stress, spicy food and certain medications.

There are many causes of heartburn, and some of them can be easily controlled by taking healthy food and exercising regularly, but some of them need proper medical attention. Heartburn can be extremely discomforting, no matter what the cause, and it must be taken seriously.

Peptic ulcer is a lesion or sore in the lining of the duodenum or stomach, and can also be the cause of heartburn. Ulcers in duodenum are called duodenal ulcers, and ulcers in stomach are called stomach or gastric ulcers. Both together are usually known as peptic ulcers. For some people, the hiatal hernia may also be the cause of heartburn.

Chocolate contains a compound that naturally occurs in various plants such as tea, cocoa and coffee plants, and is known as theobromine. Concentrations of theobromine relax the esophageal sphincter muscle, and become the cause of heartburn.

Pregnancy can also be the cause of severe heartburn, even for women who never had it before. More than 75% of asthma patients suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Most of the people suffer from heartburn occasionally, especially after a meal. For some people, this condition occurs more frequently and becomes chronic. Mild or moderate heartburn can be treated with the help of home treatment or over the counter medications, but if the heartburn is more frequent, it is important to see the doctor.


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