What Causes Heartburn

The burning and painful feeling that arises from the esophagus, present just underneath the breastbone is known as heartburn. Heartburn can spread from the chest to the neck, throat or jaw. The occurring of this condition is usually related to the regurgitation of gastric acid. The lower part of the swallowing pipe known as the lower esophageal sphincter contains a valve that opens up we swallow food and closes when food has passed. If this mechanism does not function properly in case of heartburn victims as the valve does not open or close at the appropriate time. But what causes heartburn?

Heartburn is a result of three factors. The first factor is due to an increased pressure in the valve causing it to open up. Heartburn can also be due to slackening of the valve muscles which caused them to malfunction. The third reason is due to an abnormal variation in the amount of gastric acid present in the stomach.

There are several aspects that can lead to heartburn. Diet is one of the primary aspects that need to be controlled and balanced to avoid heartburn. Eating large proportions of meals at inappropriate times can lead to heartburn. There are foods which when taken can give rise to heartburn. Foods such as onions, chocolate, peppermint, high fat foods, citrus fruits, garlic, spicy foods, and tomatoes or tomato based products increase the risk of heartburn. Beverages and drinks such as alcohol, citrus juices, caffeinated beverages, and carbonated beverages give rise to heartburn. Food, if consumed just 2 3 hours before bedtime can also make a person susceptible to heartburn.

Maintaining fitness is needed to avoid heartburn. Being overweight can greatly increase the chances of suffering from heartburn. Habits such as smoking and consuming tobacco are very harmful to one’s health and can lead to heartburn. The stress associated with the modern day lifestyle also is a key contributor of heartburn. Wearing tight fitted clothes, waistbands, slimming attire or tight belts can also cause heartburn.

Peptic ulcers can also cause heartburn. A peptic ulcer is basically a lesion that is formed in the stomach lining. The ulcers that form in the stomach are known as gastric ulcers and those that form in the duodenum are known as duodenal ulcers. Both these ulcers come under peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers usually cause heartburn and as such it is best if treatment is taken to cure them. Gastro paresis which causes a delay in the digestion process can lead to heartburn too.

Conditions such as Gastro esophageal Reflux Disease can also lead to heartburn. Heartburn is also more common during pregnancy. Hiatal hernia which can result in pushing a part of the stomach up to the diaphragm can also lead to heartburn. Taking subscription medicines and especially anti inflammatory drugs can lead to heartburn. Sedatives and medicines taken for high blood pressure greatly increase the risk of heartburn. These are some of the factors that cause heartburn and as such care should be taken to control, minimize or eliminate all these factors.