Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation in the esophagus (food pipe) and the middle chest area just behind our breastbone. It is due to stomach acid coming back from the stomach to the food pipe.

Causes for weakening or improper closing of the lower esophageal sphincter:

• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Constipation
• Smoking
• Indigestion
• Bloating
• A heavy meal that makes the stomach gets stretched

Food that triggers heartburn

• Chocolate
• Carbonated drinks
• Coffee
• Peppermint
• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Onion
• Citrus fruits

Some common symptoms of heartburn are:

• A feeling of pain in the chest or throat
• A burning pain like that of indigestion
• An ache or pressure behind the breastbone
• Pain worsens while bending or lying down
• A sour taste in the mouth
• A feeling that food is trapped in the chest or throat
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Recurrent injury to the esophagus lining can lead to the following complications

• Intestinal metaplasia
• Esophageal strictures
• Esophageal cancer
• Some other complications include

• Waiting for hours before lying down
• Sleeping on the left side of the mattress
• Avoiding food and drinks that trigger symptoms
• Eating smaller meals at various times a day instead of 1 large meal
• Wearing loose clothes
• Loosening of the waistband while sleeping
• Maintaining body weight