How To Spot Heartburn Symptoms

Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation or pain below the breastbone or sometimes goes up to the neck. Heartburn symptoms usually appear when lying down, after meals or when sleeping. Most of the time, heartburn is due to GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease – the condition wherein your stomach acid rises back up into your esophagus.

If you experience burning sensations that may mimic the signs of asthma or heart attack, then you may be experiencing heartburn symptoms. You should not disregard these signs and symptoms because it could lead to other serious health conditions.

Heartburn symptoms may also occur due to negative interactions with specific drugs, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), sedatives, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers used for high blood pressure, bronchodilators, progestin hormones and other drugs. However, it is not recommended to stop medication without proper medical consultation.

The most common heartburn symptom is the pain described as a burning sensation or feeling in the chest. This sensation usually spreads up to the neck, throat, jaws, arms and back. This is the main reason why many people mistaken heartburn to heart attacks. For this reason, you should never predict that your condition is truly a representation of heartburn symptoms and not heart attacks. Seek medical attention immediately when chest pains occur.

Heartburn symptoms usually occur an hour or less after fatty and protein-rich meals. Chest pains are worse when you are bending forward, lying down or straining your back. However, it can be easily relieve by standing or sitting upright, drinking water, swallowing saliva or taking medications.

When To Seek Medical Help

Heartburn symptoms may vary from one person to the next. Some people can experience a sour or bitter taste in their mouth after eating, while others may affect their throats. Because different people experience different stressful conditions and eat or drink different foods, they also experience various levels of heartburn.

If the acid in your stomach remains for a longer time, your esophagus can become damaged, making it difficult for you to swallow. In serious cases of heartburn, you can experience dehydration, weight loss, bleeding esophagus or blood in your vomit and bowel movements. Although some of these conditions occur on severe cases of heartburn, it is still best to spot those heartburn symptoms early to ensure proper treatment before it leads to serious health risks.

Seek medical attention when antacids and other medications do not work. Consult your doctor if heartburn persists more than three weeks, even after changing your eating patterns. If you can't spot heartburn symptoms, but feel like you're having intense chest pains, call your health care provider immediately.

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