Heartburn FAQs

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Medical Author:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Medical Editor:

Bhupinder Anand, MD

• Heartburn FAQs Introduction
• Why does the acid back up into the esophagus?
• Do spicy foods cause heartburn?
• Why do I always get heartburn at night?
• Sometimes I get a sour taste in my mouth when I bend over--what is that?
• How common is heartburn?
• Is heartburn a serious condition?
• What kinds of complications are caused by frequent heartburn?
• If I have heartburn, should I see my health care professional?
• Aren't there any tests for heartburn?
• What is the treatment for heartburn?
• What are my options if these treatments don't work?
• When is surgery needed for heartburn?
• How can I prevent heartburn?
• What happens if I stop treatment?
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor

Heartburn FAQs Introduction

NOTE: The pain of heartburn can be confused with pain due to more serious heart problems, such as a heart attack. Indviduals need to be especially aware of this possibility if you or a family member has a history of heart disease. If a person has chest pain accompanied by sweating, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or pain that worsens with activity, should seek medical attention immediately.

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is an uncomfortable feeling of burning or warmth in the chest.

What causes heartburn?

Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. Instead, heartburn is caused by too much stomach acid. Heartburn is sometimes called acid indigestion.

What is stomach acid?

Stomach acid is strong acid produced by the stomach to help digest the foods people eat. Normally the acid stays in the stomach. When the acid backs up into the esophagus, it burns and causes the uncomfortable sensation known as heartburn (the cause of heartburn is gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Picture of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

What is the esophagus?

The esophagus is the muscular tube that stretches between the mouth and the stomach. The foods we eat and the liquids we drink travel down the esophagus into the stomach.

Why doesn't the acid burn my stomach?

The stomach has a special lining to protect it from the acid. The esophagus doesn't have this protection.