Six Signs and Symptoms of Severe Heartburn
The human heart is among the essential parts of the body. It works for a lifetime. Because of its complex structure, any issues related to its cause severe problems. Heartburn is one of the major problems on the list. Often, millions of people get unwanted heartburn feelings after eating a meal, and this causes them to experience this unpleasant sensation. Heartburn causes because by a variety of factors and is a very common ailment. GERD, stomach ulcers, and esophageal cancer are just a few of the illnesses that mimic heartburn and affect your health.
Heartburn: What is it?
Burning pain in your chest cavity, just behind the breastbone, is heartburn. After eating, at night, or when you bend over, the pain is usually worse. Heartburn causes when the digestive acid escapes the stomach and irritates the delicate lining of the esophagus. It may be a sign that you need to see a doctor if your heartburn is getting worse or interfering with your daily routine.
Heartburn Symptoms
After consuming spicy food or a large meal, you may experience burning and discomfort in your chest. Common heartburn symptoms can be:
- Chest pain usually happens at night and after eating.
- The discomfort or inflammation worsens when you bend over or lie down.
- Acidic or bitter aftertaste.
- It may be difficult to swallow.
- Cough or sore throat that persists for a long period of time.
Six Signs Your Heartburn Could Be Something More Serious
You may be experiencing heartburn as a sign of something more serious among these six signs.
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Heartburn that occurs frequently or persistently
You can control occasional heartburn with proper diet and lifestyle changes, but if it happens more than twice a week or every day, it may be something more serious. It could be possible that GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) could be affecting you. In general, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive condition that affects a muscle that connects the lower esophageal sphincter to the stomach (LES).
If you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux frequently or persistently, see a doctor about the best course of action. To inspect the digestive tract, your doctor may perform an endoscopy, in which a long, thin tube with a camera is inserted through your mouth and advanced into your body.
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Pain in the abdomen
When you have severe cases of heartburn, the symptoms involved are not limited to the esophagus alone. If you have stomach pain because of heartburn, you may also have symptoms in the stomach. You may have gastritis if you have severe abdominal pain or bloating, coupled with acid reflux. Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be caused by an infection, bacteria, chronic vomiting, or even by substances like alcohol, aspirin, or ibuprofen which contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.
In most cases, heartburn can be relieved by addressing the stomach issue. It is extremely important that you seek medical attention if your abdominal pain does not disappear or worsen. If there is damage to the stomach lining, the doctor might recommend an endoscopy.
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Nosebleeds or Vomiting
If heartburn causes nausea or causes you to vomit, do not take it lightly, as it could be a sign of a serious underlying condition. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and esophagitis are two possible causes. Any one of these conditions can cause vomiting or regurgitation of the stomach’s contents, leaving a sour taste in the mouth. Some people are unable to eat as they are experiencing nausea or losing their appetite. This makes it difficult for them to consume food or keep it down.
In addition to nausea and vomiting, a severe medical condition such as a heart attack may be indicated by extreme nausea and vomiting. In the cause of nausea and vomiting along with heartburn, it is imperative to consult your healthcare expert for heartburn treatment.
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Having a Hard Time Swallowing
You may have esophagitis if you are having trouble swallowing in addition to experiencing heartburn. As the name implies, esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus that is often a result of GERD. You may be advised to undergo an endoscopy if your doctor suspects esophagitis. This procedure helps determine the degree of damage to the esophageal lining.
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The Hiccupping or Coughing
Hiatal hernia, or the passage of part of the stomach through the diaphragm through a persistent cough or hiccup, may be the cause. When your diaphragm contracts, it allows air to enter your lungs, enabling you to breathe. An esophagus passes through a small opening in this organ. Heartburn, nausea, vomiting, or shortness of breath can occur when the stomach slides through this opening.
Final Caring
A mild case of heartburn is typically innocuous, but it might be an indication of something more serious. Get in touch with your doctor for the best heartburn treatment if your heartburn is bothering you or affecting your daily life. Alfa Gastro and Liver Care in Ahmedabad, Gujarat provides gastrointestinal and liver care of the highest quality. If you are willing to have a perfect heartburn treatment, Dr. Vatsal Mehta from ALFA is among the best experts available for you.