Heartburn is a form of Indigestion
Once Food is chewed and swallows, it is pressed by brawny waves down the oesophagus and through a sphincter into the abdomen. Sometimes, even in healthy individuals, the contents of the abdomen squeeze up through the sphincter and back into the oesophagus. This is called 'reflux' and feels like a burning sensation behind the breastbone.
Overindulgence is often to Blame
Occasional heartburn can be caused by:
- Eating a large meal
- Eating a large meal and then doing some kind of physical activity, like lifting or bending
- Too much coffee or alcohol
- Anxiety, which can make the stomach 'churns'
- Advanced pregnancy, when the womb pushes up against the stomach.
Simple Treatment
The Oesophagus uses muscular contractions (called 'peristalsis') to squeeze swallowed food down into the stomach. However, food inside the stomach is only kept there by the force of gravity, so don't lie down after a big meal. Usually, taking an antacid and waiting is all the treatment needed for heart Burn in healthy people.
Heart Burn in Overweight People
Cases of persistent heartburn are usually caused by obesity. The extra fat inside the abdominal wall reduces the amount of room for the stomach and small intestines. Any extra pressure on the stomach, such as stooping, forces the stomach contents up into the oesophagus.
