Causes of Heartburn

Causes of heartburn can be anything from overindulgence, an improper diet and stress. Almost everyone experiences heartburn once in their lives. Heartburn is when stomach acid irritates the esophagus. This is caused by the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that controls the opening to the stomach. This sphincter is opening too often or not closing properly, allowing stomach acid back into the esophagus.

Heartburn Symptoms
Heartburn symptoms usually include discomfort and a burning sensation in the chest and throat. There may also be chest pain when in bending over or lying down. You may have difficulty swallowing and taste an acidic residue in the back of your throat.

Causes of Heartburn
Heartburn can have a huge assortment of causes. It can be a problem in itself, or a symptom of a bigger problem. If the heartburn is frequent, you need to check with your doctor before deciding on causes and treatment.

• Food and drinks can cause heartburn. There are certain items, such as caffeine, tomatoes and garlic, which relax the muscle opening to the stomach. Other items, such as spicy food and citrus, can also irritate the esophagus. This in turn causes heartburn. Over eating or under eating can also cause heartburn by messing with stomach acid levels.

• Constant pressure on the stomach can cause heartburn. Direct pressure on the stomach, from something like pregnancy or obesity, can cause the stomach to spurt acid into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn.

• Prescription medications can sometimes cause heartburn. Some prescription medications loosen the muscle opening to the stomach, resulting in acid getting into the esophagus.

• Stress can cause heartburn. Stress can increase the amount of stomach acid produced, leading to heartburn.

• Smoking cigars or cigarettes can lead to heartburn. Smoking causes the sphincter muscle at the opening of the stomach to relax. This relaxation allows stomach fluid to seep into the esophagus and cause heartburn.