Heartburn affects 1 in 3 Americans at least 3 times per year.
Heartburn is a burning warmth in the chest or throat that is caused by an abnormal backflow of food and digestive juices into the esophagus, the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach. This generally occurs when the lower valve on the esophagus (the lower esophagus sphincter, or LES) does not shut properly.
Heartburn severity varies from person to person, but common symptoms include a warm discomfort in the chest and throat, waves of heat or even pain radiating upwards, and a sour taste in the mouth. Burping, nausea and difficulty swallowing are also possible, with symptoms often lasting 2 hours or more. Bending over or lying down will often make heartburn worse, so if you are experiencing severe symptoms, it is always recommended that you sit or stand to help minimize them.
The commonly used name for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), heartburn is a very common ailment that affects over 1 in 5 Americans at least once per month. It is particularly more common with people aged 45 to 65, and it is also very common for pregnant women to experience heartburn on a daily basis.
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