Heartburn

• Heartburn Overview
• Heartburn Causes
• Heartburn Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Heartburn Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Surgery
• Next Steps
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Multimedia
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related heartburn articles:
  Heartburn - on WebMD
  Heartburn (GERD) - on MedicineNet

Heartburn Overview

Heartburn is an uncomfortable but common feeling of burning or warmth in the chest. Although the pain of heartburn is felt in the chest, heartburn has nothing to do with your heart. Instead, heartburn is caused by stomach acid (see Media file 1).

Continual bouts of heartburn can be a symptom of a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Frequent or severe heartburn may limit daily activities and lead to further complications such as ulcers in the esophagus. With proper understanding of heartburn and treatment, relief can be obtained from this condition.

About 30% of adults experience occasional heartburn, while 10% experience heartburn every day. About 25% of pregnant women have heartburn or related symptoms.