Heartburn - Facts And Causes
July 6th, 2007
- Heartburn is also referred to as indigestion, acid regurgitation or sour stomach. It occurs when acid from the stomach travels up the esophagus (food pipe) causing a burning sensation and a bitter (acid) taste.
- Heartburn can also occur during sleep.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GED) occurs when a faulty muscular valve (lower esophageal spincter or LES) allows both the stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) and food in the stomach to travel upwards into the esophagus.
- Hiatus hernia is a condition where the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
- Scarringg of the esophagus can lead to chronic heartburn and difficulty in swallowing.
- Sleeping pills (benzodiazepines).
- An inflammed stomach (gastritis).
- Weak stomach muscles.
- Stress.
- Pregnant women may experience heartburn due to the compression on the stomach by the growing baby.
- Exercise-induced heartburn.
- Stomach ulcers.
- Overeating.
- Food and beveages such as fried food, greasy food, spicy food, heavy sauses, carbonated drinks, caffeinated drinks,
- Though allergic reactions are rare, taking 6 grams or more of ginger on an empty stomach can cause heartburn and gastric distress.
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