Do You Know What Heartburn Feels Like?
Heartburn – what does it feel llike? Heartburn, is an unpleasant conditiion, medically termed pyrosis. The main feeling of heartburn is a burning sensation, but identification of the condition can be determined via other factors. Heartburn pain will normally be below the breastbone or sternum. Heartburn is experienced at least once a week for about one in five people.
If the lower esophageal sphincter does not function properly then this will cause heartburn. The contents of the stomach are normally kept in the stomach by this sphincter, it also separates the stomach from the esophagus. If the sphincter malfunctions, the acidic contents of the stomach can travel up the esophagus, creating the burning and painful sensation in the chest.
Does heartburn last long? Sufferers of heartburn will find that episodes can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. You will also find that the pain gets worse if you lie down. When eating it can feel like food gets stuck in the chest making it difficult to swallow. A sour or acidic tasting fluid in the back of the throat may be experienced as the burning sensation travels through the body.
While this painful, burning sensation is an annoyance, for most people it is never more than that. Frequent heartburn, however, in some instances, can result to further complications. Gastroesophageal Reflux disease (GERD) is the medical term used for frequent sufferers of heartburn, this can result, over a long period of time into ulcers or even worse esophageal cancer.
Lifestyle conditions can contribute to heartburn along with smoking. The added pressure that can be caused to the stomach through obesity and pregnancy may increase the liklihood of you suffering from heartburn. Likewise, tight-fitting clothing or tight belts can cause similar pressure. Stress seems to contribute to heartburn and certain medications are known to increase the frequency of heartburn.
Those who have never had a medical diagnosis of the condition may wonder what does heartburn feel like. In addition, other medical conditions can be mistaken for heartburn, such as angina. The pain can be eased for frequent sufferers by modifying your diet and lifestyle. Antacids should eliminate or at least lessen the pain on an acute basis. Pain that runs down your arms or radiates to the shoulder, could mean more serious conditions and medical advice should be sought instantly.