Heartburn
Medical Author:
Yesha R Patel, MD
Coauthor:
David Jerrard, MD
Coauthor:
Vincent W Yang, MD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Simmy Bank, MD, MB, ChB
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
BS Anand, MD
Heartburn OverviewHeartburn 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. 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. Viewer Comments & ReviewsHeartburn - CausesThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What causes your heartburn? |
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Gastritis Overview
Gastritis, an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the stomach, is not a single disease. Rather, gastritis is a condition that has many causes. Common to all people with gastritis is pain or discomfort in the upper part of the belly (abdomen), also called dyspepsia.
Gastritis can be a brief and sudden illness (acute gastritis), a longer-lasting condition (chronic gastritis), or a special condition, perhaps as part of another medical illness.
- An example of acute gastritis is stomach upset that may follow the use of alcohol or certain medications such as aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach. Infection with this bacteria may lead to chronic gastritis.
Gastritis is a common medical problem, with up to10% of people who come to a hospital emergency department with the complaint of abdominal pain being ulti...
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease »
Gastroesophageal reflux is a normal physiological phenomenon experienced intermittently by most people, particularly after a meal.
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