Heartburn FAQs
- 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 provider?
- 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?
- For More Information
- Web Links
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- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Heartburn FAQs Introduction
NOTE: The pain of heartburn can be confused with pain due to more serious heart problems, such as a heart attack. You need to be especially aware of this possibility if you or a family member has a history of heart disease. If you have chest pain accompanied by sweating, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or that gets worse with activity, you 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 we 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. All the foods you eat and the liquids you drink go 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.
Next: Why does the acid back up into the esophagus? »
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Sjögren Syndrome Overview
Sjögren syndrome is a disorder of the moisture-producing glands, such as the tear ducts and the salivary glands. These glands become infiltrated with white blood cells (lymphocytes) that are part of our immune system. This causes the glands to produce less moisture, leading to dryness. In some cases, lymphocytes also infiltrate internal organs, causing organ dysfunction and a wide variety of symptoms.
Sjögren syndrome often occurs in people who have other rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma, or polymyositis/dermatomyositis. This is described as secondary Sjögren syndrome. The syndrome also can occur without another disorder, in which case it is called primary Sjögren syndrome.
Sjögren syndrome affects 0.1-3% of the population of the United States. The condition is found throughout the world and in all ethnic groups. While Sjögren s...
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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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