Heartburn is pain felt in the chest by a burning sensation in the esophagus, which is located close to where the heart is. At junction between the stomach and esophagus is the cardiac sphincter. This muscular sphincter acts as a valve that normally keeps food and stomach acid in the stomach and prevents the stomach’s contents from regurgitating back into the esophagus.
However, certain foods may affect the cardiac sphincter, making it less effective. The stomach produces hydrochloric acid to digest food. The stomach has a mucous lining that protects it from hydrochloric acid, but the esophagus does not. When food and stomach acid regurgitate back into the esophagus, a burning sensation is felt near the heart resulting in heartburn. Antacids may be used to relieve heartburn by making stomach juices less acidic, therefore reducing the burning feeling felt in the esophagus. If heartburn becomes frequent or prolonged, medical intervention may be necessary to correct the problem.
Review Date:
11/21/2006
Reviewed By:
Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
