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Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach (esophagus). Typically, when food is swallowed, a band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into the stomach. Then the muscle tightens again.
GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux or reflux of nonacidic content from the stomach. When you swallow, a circular band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into the stomach. Then the sphincter closes again.
Heartburn is discomfort or actual pain caused by digestive acid moving into the tube that carries swallowed food to your stomach (esophagus). Typical features of heartburn include: A burning sensation in the chest that may also involve the upper abdomen; Usually occurs after eating or while lying down or bending over
To determine if your heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), your doctor may recommend: X-ray, to view the shape and condition of your esophagus and stomach. Endoscopy, to view your esophagus with a tiny camera to check for irregularities.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Symptoms & causes; Diagnosis & treatment; Doctors & departments; Care at Mayo Clinic
Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can sometimes cause excessive belching by promoting increased swallowing. Belching often also may be related to inflammation of the stomach lining or to an infection with Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium responsible for some stomach ulcers.
Sometimes people with indigestion also experience heartburn. Heartburn is a pain or burning feeling in the center of your chest that may radiate into your neck or back during or after eating. When to see a doctor. Mild indigestion is usually nothing to worry about. Consult your health care provider if discomfort lasts for more than two weeks.
The most common symptom of GERD is frequent heartburn — two or more times a week. Other symptoms can include regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain — especially while lying down at night.
While it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the problem that's triggering a chronic cough, the most common causes are tobacco use, postnasal drip, asthma and acid reflux. Fortunately, chronic cough typically disappears once the underlying problem is treated.
Gastric reflux may lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a potentially serious problem that causes irritation and inflammation of esophageal tissue. Unlike gastric acid reflux, bile reflux can't be completely controlled by changes in diet or lifestyle.