Problems Associated with Heartburn
- Normally when you eat, your food goes down your esophagus, which is a 10-inch pipe leading from your throat to your stomach. At the end of this pipe is a muscle band called lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is responsible for closing after food passes through. If it relaxes too much, or doesn't close properly, the acid and stomach contents can back up past the LES to the esophagus, subsequently causing the burning sensation associated with heartburn.
- Hiatal hernia is a condition caused when a part of the stomach protrudes up into the chest and through the diaphragm opening. The diaphragm is used for breathing, and is made from a layer of muscles that keep the chest and abdomen apart. The causes are unknown although children having this condition are usually born with it. Symptoms include chest pain, heartburn, belching and difficulty swallowing. It generally is diagnosed with an X-ray and a procedure called Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
- Peptic ulcers also go by the names: duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, stomach ulcer and ulcer. A peptic ulcer is a sore of any size that grows in the lining of your stomach (duodenum), which is the beginning of your small intestine. Ulcers form when digestive acids damage the duodenum. This is caused by a bacterial infection called Helicobacter Pylori. Another well-known cause is the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications over a long period of time. Contrary to myth, spicy foods do not cause ulcers, but they may exaggerate the pain of one that's already formed.
- According to Medline Plus, Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. There most common causes include alcohol, smoking, stomach lining erosion, stomach infection and aspirin. Other less common causes are autoimmune disorders, bile reflux, ingesting caustic acid or corrosives, excess gastric secretions and viral infections. Symptoms include stomach pain, dark stools, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and vomiting blood.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition caused by chronic acid reflux. When the stomach contents and acids back up into the esophagus consistently, your esophagus can become inflamed or damaged. GERD is a chronic condition that can be treated but not cured. Pregnancy can make you more susceptible to GERD although this isn't the only condition that does. During pregnancy, the change in hormone can cause the LES to relax, causing acid reflux and heartburn. Eating smaller portions of food, ensuring you chew properly and not eating too soon before laying down, can help decrease this risk.