Do You Know What Heartburn Feels Like?
What does heartburn feel like? Pyrosis, is the medical term used for heartburn and can be a very unpleasant condition. 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. The contents of the stomach are normally kept in the stomach by this sphincter, it also separates the stomach from the esophagus. If the sphincter malfunctions, the acidic contents of the stomach can travel up the esophagus, creating the burning and painful sensation in the chest.
Heartburn - how long does it last? Heartburn pain lasts anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, and often worsens when the patient is lying down. It can sometimes feel as though food gets stuck in the chest when eating and it can be difficult to swallow. The burning sensation can also travel up the throat, or in some cases, it is experienced as a sour or acidic tasting fluid in the back of the throat.
The burning pain, although somewhat annoying is never more than that for most people. Frequent heartburn, however, in some instances, can result to further complications. Frequent heartburn over a long period of time can result in ulcers or even esophageal cancer. This is known as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
Smoking is a big contributing factor to heartburn, but lifestyle conditions can also play a big part. The added pressure that can be caused to the stomach through obesity and pregnancy may increase the liklihood of you suffering from 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.Other medical conditions, such as angina can be mistaken for heartburn. The pain can be eased for frequent sufferers by modifying your diet and lifestyle. The pain should be lessened or eliminated at least on an acute basis by the antacids. Symptoms of more serious heart conditions can be experienced. If this is the case you should see seek medical advice immediately, especially if the pain radiates down your arms or to your shoulders.
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