Heartburn can cause discomfort that starts in the middle of the chest and moves up through the throat. This eMedTV article offers an in-depth overview of heartburn, with information on its symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
Although the exact causes of heartburn are unknown, there are several factors that can put you at risk. This eMedTV article lists some of the most common risk factors for heartburn, including stress, pregnancy, and hiatal hernia.
One of the most common heartburn symptoms is chest pain, as this eMedTV article explains. The discomfort usually starts in the middle of the chest and can move up through the throat. This article also compares symptoms of heartburn with GERD symptoms.
Heartburn treatment typically begins with diet and lifestyle changes. As this eMedTV article explains, medication can be taken if the patient does not find relief through things like reducing stress and avoiding trigger foods.
As this part of the eMedTV Web site explains, heartburn medicine comes in four main types: antacids, foaming agents, H2 blockers, and proton-pump inhibitors. This article describes how each one works and offers general tips on taking these medicines.
Antacids are drugs that can quickly reduce heartburn symptoms by increasing the pH balance in your stomach. This eMedTV Web page describes the four different types of antacids and includes information on how they work and who should take them.
While heartburn can be treated through medication or lifestyle changes, no true cure for heartburn exists. This eMedTV resource lists several lifestyle changes (such as losing weight and quitting smoking) that can help reduce your symptoms.
If you smoke, you are at risk for heartburn. This part of the eMedTV archives explains how smoking can lead to heartburn and make symptoms worse in people who already have it. This page also provides basic information about smoking and heartburn.
As this eMedTV article explains that during pregnancy, up to 70 percent of women experience heartburn. This resource discusses pregnancy and heartburn, including information on dietary changes and medications that may help treat heartburn.
Chocolate, peppermint, and tomato products can all cause heartburn. This portion of the eMedTV library provides a detailed list of foods that cause heartburn in many people. This page also provides a link to more information on the heartburn diet.
For many people, following a special diet for heartburn improves their symptoms. This eMedTV page explains several aspects of this diet, such as eating heart-healthy foods, avoiding foods that worsen symptoms, losing weight, and not eating before bedtime.
