Heartburn – what does it feel llike? Pyrosis, is the medical term used for heartburn and can be a very unpleasant condition. Other factors can determine whether or not it is heartburn you are suffering from, although the main feeling is a burning sensation in the chest. Heartburn pain will normally be below the breastbone or sternum. Heartburn is experienced at least once a week for about one in five people.
Heartburn is caused by the lower esophageal sphincter not functioning properly. The contents of the stomach are normally kept in the stomach by this sphincter, it also separates the stomach from the esophagus. The burning painful sensation in the chest is created by the malfunction of the sphincter. This is due to the fact that the acidic contents of the stomach can travel up the esophagus.
Heartburn – how long does it last? 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. In some cases, a sour or acidic taste may be experienced as the burning sensation travels up the throat.
While this painful, burning sensation is an annoyance, for most people it is never more than that. However, in some cases, frequent heartburn can lead 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.
Smoking is a big contributing factor to heartburn, but lifestyle conditions can also play a big part. 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.Angina, in addition, to other medical conditions can be mistaken for heartburn. If you suspect you may be suffering from heartburn, try making modifications to your diet and lifestyle that may be contributing, to see if it eases the frequency of the pain. Elimination of the pain should be done, at least on an acute basis by the antacids. If they don’t eliminate the paint totally it should at least lessen it. Symptoms of more serious heart conditions can be experienced. If this is the case you should see seek medical advice immediately, especially if the pain radiates down your arms or to your shoulders.