Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsComplicationsWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Heartburn GuideHeartburn Relief: Natural Antacids, Medication, Prevention
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Table of Contents
Frequent Symptoms
Complications
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Heartburn Guide
Occasional heartburn due to refluxed stomach acid is common, although you may wonder what it feels like if you haven’t experienced it. Frequentheartburnis the most common symptom ofgastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) or acid reflux.Nighttime heartburn and GERD can lead to damage of the esophagus and both are risks for respiratory complications. You will also want to get help for any unusual or severe chest symptoms that indicate a heart attack rather than acid reflux.
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People have differentheartburn triggers, but most people have similar heartburn symptoms:
Heartburn vs. Heart Attack
If you have unusual or severe sensations in your chest, it is important that you seek medical attention for a possible heart attack.
Symptoms of a heart attackinclude chest pain, chest pressure, a cold sweat, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, or fainting. Don’t wait or assume it may be heartburn—contact emergency medical help.
Heartburn is a common problem that can lead to serious conditions. It can also worsen some conditions, such as asthma.
Nighttime Heartburn
Nighttime heartburn can impact your health through disrupting your sleep, which contributes to many health and quality of life issues.
Of more concern is that there are increased risks of damage to the esophagus when acid reflux occurs at night. There can be a greater risk of esophageal lesions and respiratory conditions.
The factors that can make nighttime heartburn more likely to cause damage include:
Asthma
If you haveasthma, GERD can lead to lung damage. Up to 80% of people with asthma also have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), compared with 20 percent of the general population.It isn’t known exactly how they are linked, but medications for asthma may worsen acid reflux. When you have both conditions you may not respond as well to medications intended to control each condition. However, controlling GERD can help relieve asthma symptoms.
Respiratory Complications
Besides the effects in people with asthma, heartburn can lead to hoarseness, laryngitis, persistent dry cough, chest congestion, wheezing, and laryngitis.You may also be prone to pneumonia.
Esophageal Damage
When you have heartburn frequently for a long period you are likely to damage your esophagus. Inflammation (esophagitis) can become chronic and this can lead to narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture) or precancerous changes.Barrett’s esophagus can develop as there are changes in the type of cells lining your esophagus. Rarely, this can lead to esophageal cancer.
Your risk of esophageal cancer is eight times as great if you have frequent heartburn and over 40 times higher if you have longstanding frequent heartburn.
Can Constipation Cause Acid Reflux?
Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if:
Your healthcare provider will assess your digestive health and your heart health. The two of you can discuss a treatment plan that works for you.
Heartburn Healthcare Provider Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
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You should see your healthcare provider immediately for the symptom of vomiting, especially if you have vomited a large amount, you frequently have forceful vomiting, or the vomited fluid is bloody, is green or yellow, or looks like it contains coffee grounds. Having problems breathing after vomiting is also an indication that you should see your healthcare provider immediately.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)is the most common cause of heartburn, affecting between 15% and 20% of the general population. Others includehiatal hernia,chronic gastritis,irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),motility disorders,gallstones,peptic ulcer,H. pylori infection,coronary artery atherosclerosis, andesophageal cancer.
Yes. The condition is known aslaryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)because it mainly affects thelarynx(voice box) andpharynx(throat). Also referred to as “silent acid reflux,” LPR is can be difficult to diagnose as it can cause coughing, breathing problems, sore throat, and postnasal drip but without the tell-tale burning sensation in the chest.
Chronic, untreated acid reflux can cause long-term problems affecting theesophagusand upper respiratory tract. Complications include:
Most definitely. Severe heartburn and aheart attackcan be difficult to tell apart as both can cause chest pain that radiates to the neck, jaw, back, and shoulder along with nausea and shortness of breath. With heartburn, however, symptoms may be relieved with belching. Even so, it is important to have it checked out immediately if in doubt.Learn MoreManaging Severe Heartburn
Most definitely. Severe heartburn and aheart attackcan be difficult to tell apart as both can cause chest pain that radiates to the neck, jaw, back, and shoulder along with nausea and shortness of breath. With heartburn, however, symptoms may be relieved with belching. Even so, it is important to have it checked out immediately if in doubt.
Learn MoreManaging Severe Heartburn
Why Do I Have Heartburn?
23 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-.Heartburn and GERD: Overview.Clarrett DM, Hachem C.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214–218.Talley NJ, Phung N, Kalantar JS.ABC of the upper gastrointestingal tract: Indigestion: When is it functional?.BMJ. 2001;323(7324):1294–1297. doi:10.1136/bmj.323.7324.1294Kabadi A, Saadi M, Schey R, Parkman HP.Taste and Smell Disturbances in Patients with Gastroparesis and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2017;23(3):370–377. doi:10.5056/jnm16132Wolf DC. Dysphagia. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors.Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 82.Francis DO.Chronic Cough and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2016;12(1):64–66.Gaude GS.Pulmonary manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Ann Thorac Med. 2009;4(3):115–123. doi:10.4103/1817-1737.53347Bösner S, Haasenritter J, Becker A, et al.Heartburn or angina? Differentiating gastrointestinal disease in primary care patients presenting with chest pain: a cross sectional diagnostic study.Int Arch Med. 2009;2:40. doi:10.1186/1755-7682-2-40Ates F, Vaezi MF.Insight Into the Relationship Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Asthma.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2014;10(11):729–736.Shaker R, Castell DO, Schoenfeld PS, Spechler SJ.Nighttime heartburn is an under-appreciated clinical problem that impacts sleep and daytime function: the results of a Gallup survey conducted on behalf of the American Gastroenterological Association. Am J Gastroenterol. 2003;98(7):1487-93.Katz LC, Just R, Castell DO.Body position affects recumbent postprandial reflux. J Clin Gastroenterol. 1994;18(4):280-3.Jung HK, Choung RS, Talley NJ.Gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep disorders: evidence for a causal link and therapeutic implications.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2010;16(1):22–29. doi:10.5056/jnm.2010.16.1.22Ates F, Vaezi MF.Insight Into the Relationship Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Asthma.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2014;10(11):729–736.Molyneux ID, Morice AH.Airway reflux, cough and respiratory disease.Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2011;2(4):237–248. doi:10.1177/2040622311406464Grossi L, Ciccaglione AF, Marzio L.Esophagitis and its causes: Who is “guilty” when acid is found “not guilty”?.World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(17):3011–3016. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i17.3011John M. Eisenberg Center for Clinical Decisions and Communications Science.Treatment Options for GERD or Acid Reflux Disease: A Review of the Research for Adults. In: Comparative Effectiveness Review Summary Guides for Consumers [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2005-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK66089/Cleveland Clinic.Heartburn.Badillo R.Diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.WJGPT. 2014;5(3):105.Campagnolo A, Priston J, Thoen R, Medeiros T, Assunção A.Laryngopharyngeal reflux: diagnosis, treatment, and latest research.Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol.2013;18(02):184-91 doi:10.1055/s-0033-1352504Richter JE, Rubenstein JH.Presentation and epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Gastroenterology. 2018;154(2):267-76. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2017.07.045Herbella FA, Neto SP, Santoro IL, Figueiredo LC.Gastroesophageal reflux disease and non-esophageal cancer.WJG. 2015;21(3):815, doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i3.815Kim J-J.Upper gastrointestinal cancer and reflux disease.J Gastric Cancer. 2013;13(2):79. doi:10.5230/jgc.2013.13.2.79American Heart Association.Heartburn or heart attack?
23 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-.Heartburn and GERD: Overview.Clarrett DM, Hachem C.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214–218.Talley NJ, Phung N, Kalantar JS.ABC of the upper gastrointestingal tract: Indigestion: When is it functional?.BMJ. 2001;323(7324):1294–1297. doi:10.1136/bmj.323.7324.1294Kabadi A, Saadi M, Schey R, Parkman HP.Taste and Smell Disturbances in Patients with Gastroparesis and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2017;23(3):370–377. doi:10.5056/jnm16132Wolf DC. Dysphagia. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors.Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 82.Francis DO.Chronic Cough and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2016;12(1):64–66.Gaude GS.Pulmonary manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Ann Thorac Med. 2009;4(3):115–123. doi:10.4103/1817-1737.53347Bösner S, Haasenritter J, Becker A, et al.Heartburn or angina? Differentiating gastrointestinal disease in primary care patients presenting with chest pain: a cross sectional diagnostic study.Int Arch Med. 2009;2:40. doi:10.1186/1755-7682-2-40Ates F, Vaezi MF.Insight Into the Relationship Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Asthma.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2014;10(11):729–736.Shaker R, Castell DO, Schoenfeld PS, Spechler SJ.Nighttime heartburn is an under-appreciated clinical problem that impacts sleep and daytime function: the results of a Gallup survey conducted on behalf of the American Gastroenterological Association. Am J Gastroenterol. 2003;98(7):1487-93.Katz LC, Just R, Castell DO.Body position affects recumbent postprandial reflux. J Clin Gastroenterol. 1994;18(4):280-3.Jung HK, Choung RS, Talley NJ.Gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep disorders: evidence for a causal link and therapeutic implications.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2010;16(1):22–29. doi:10.5056/jnm.2010.16.1.22Ates F, Vaezi MF.Insight Into the Relationship Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Asthma.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2014;10(11):729–736.Molyneux ID, Morice AH.Airway reflux, cough and respiratory disease.Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2011;2(4):237–248. doi:10.1177/2040622311406464Grossi L, Ciccaglione AF, Marzio L.Esophagitis and its causes: Who is “guilty” when acid is found “not guilty”?.World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(17):3011–3016. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i17.3011John M. Eisenberg Center for Clinical Decisions and Communications Science.Treatment Options for GERD or Acid Reflux Disease: A Review of the Research for Adults. In: Comparative Effectiveness Review Summary Guides for Consumers [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2005-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK66089/Cleveland Clinic.Heartburn.Badillo R.Diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.WJGPT. 2014;5(3):105.Campagnolo A, Priston J, Thoen R, Medeiros T, Assunção A.Laryngopharyngeal reflux: diagnosis, treatment, and latest research.Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol.2013;18(02):184-91 doi:10.1055/s-0033-1352504Richter JE, Rubenstein JH.Presentation and epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Gastroenterology. 2018;154(2):267-76. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2017.07.045Herbella FA, Neto SP, Santoro IL, Figueiredo LC.Gastroesophageal reflux disease and non-esophageal cancer.WJG. 2015;21(3):815, doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i3.815Kim J-J.Upper gastrointestinal cancer and reflux disease.J Gastric Cancer. 2013;13(2):79. doi:10.5230/jgc.2013.13.2.79American Heart Association.Heartburn or heart attack?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-.Heartburn and GERD: Overview.Clarrett DM, Hachem C.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214–218.Talley NJ, Phung N, Kalantar JS.ABC of the upper gastrointestingal tract: Indigestion: When is it functional?.BMJ. 2001;323(7324):1294–1297. doi:10.1136/bmj.323.7324.1294Kabadi A, Saadi M, Schey R, Parkman HP.Taste and Smell Disturbances in Patients with Gastroparesis and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2017;23(3):370–377. doi:10.5056/jnm16132Wolf DC. Dysphagia. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors.Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 82.Francis DO.Chronic Cough and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2016;12(1):64–66.Gaude GS.Pulmonary manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Ann Thorac Med. 2009;4(3):115–123. doi:10.4103/1817-1737.53347Bösner S, Haasenritter J, Becker A, et al.Heartburn or angina? Differentiating gastrointestinal disease in primary care patients presenting with chest pain: a cross sectional diagnostic study.Int Arch Med. 2009;2:40. doi:10.1186/1755-7682-2-40Ates F, Vaezi MF.Insight Into the Relationship Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Asthma.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2014;10(11):729–736.Shaker R, Castell DO, Schoenfeld PS, Spechler SJ.Nighttime heartburn is an under-appreciated clinical problem that impacts sleep and daytime function: the results of a Gallup survey conducted on behalf of the American Gastroenterological Association. Am J Gastroenterol. 2003;98(7):1487-93.Katz LC, Just R, Castell DO.Body position affects recumbent postprandial reflux. J Clin Gastroenterol. 1994;18(4):280-3.Jung HK, Choung RS, Talley NJ.Gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep disorders: evidence for a causal link and therapeutic implications.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2010;16(1):22–29. doi:10.5056/jnm.2010.16.1.22Ates F, Vaezi MF.Insight Into the Relationship Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Asthma.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2014;10(11):729–736.Molyneux ID, Morice AH.Airway reflux, cough and respiratory disease.Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2011;2(4):237–248. doi:10.1177/2040622311406464Grossi L, Ciccaglione AF, Marzio L.Esophagitis and its causes: Who is “guilty” when acid is found “not guilty”?.World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(17):3011–3016. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i17.3011John M. Eisenberg Center for Clinical Decisions and Communications Science.Treatment Options for GERD or Acid Reflux Disease: A Review of the Research for Adults. In: Comparative Effectiveness Review Summary Guides for Consumers [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2005-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK66089/Cleveland Clinic.Heartburn.Badillo R.Diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.WJGPT. 2014;5(3):105.Campagnolo A, Priston J, Thoen R, Medeiros T, Assunção A.Laryngopharyngeal reflux: diagnosis, treatment, and latest research.Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol.2013;18(02):184-91 doi:10.1055/s-0033-1352504Richter JE, Rubenstein JH.Presentation and epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Gastroenterology. 2018;154(2):267-76. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2017.07.045Herbella FA, Neto SP, Santoro IL, Figueiredo LC.Gastroesophageal reflux disease and non-esophageal cancer.WJG. 2015;21(3):815, doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i3.815Kim J-J.Upper gastrointestinal cancer and reflux disease.J Gastric Cancer. 2013;13(2):79. doi:10.5230/jgc.2013.13.2.79American Heart Association.Heartburn or heart attack?
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-.Heartburn and GERD: Overview.
Clarrett DM, Hachem C.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).Mo Med. 2018;115(3):214–218.
Talley NJ, Phung N, Kalantar JS.ABC of the upper gastrointestingal tract: Indigestion: When is it functional?.BMJ. 2001;323(7324):1294–1297. doi:10.1136/bmj.323.7324.1294
Kabadi A, Saadi M, Schey R, Parkman HP.Taste and Smell Disturbances in Patients with Gastroparesis and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2017;23(3):370–377. doi:10.5056/jnm16132
Wolf DC. Dysphagia. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors.Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 82.
Francis DO.Chronic Cough and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2016;12(1):64–66.
Gaude GS.Pulmonary manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Ann Thorac Med. 2009;4(3):115–123. doi:10.4103/1817-1737.53347
Bösner S, Haasenritter J, Becker A, et al.Heartburn or angina? Differentiating gastrointestinal disease in primary care patients presenting with chest pain: a cross sectional diagnostic study.Int Arch Med. 2009;2:40. doi:10.1186/1755-7682-2-40
Ates F, Vaezi MF.Insight Into the Relationship Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Asthma.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2014;10(11):729–736.
Shaker R, Castell DO, Schoenfeld PS, Spechler SJ.Nighttime heartburn is an under-appreciated clinical problem that impacts sleep and daytime function: the results of a Gallup survey conducted on behalf of the American Gastroenterological Association. Am J Gastroenterol. 2003;98(7):1487-93.
Katz LC, Just R, Castell DO.Body position affects recumbent postprandial reflux. J Clin Gastroenterol. 1994;18(4):280-3.
Jung HK, Choung RS, Talley NJ.Gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep disorders: evidence for a causal link and therapeutic implications.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2010;16(1):22–29. doi:10.5056/jnm.2010.16.1.22
Molyneux ID, Morice AH.Airway reflux, cough and respiratory disease.Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2011;2(4):237–248. doi:10.1177/2040622311406464
Grossi L, Ciccaglione AF, Marzio L.Esophagitis and its causes: Who is “guilty” when acid is found “not guilty”?.World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(17):3011–3016. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i17.3011
John M. Eisenberg Center for Clinical Decisions and Communications Science.Treatment Options for GERD or Acid Reflux Disease: A Review of the Research for Adults. In: Comparative Effectiveness Review Summary Guides for Consumers [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2005-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK66089/
Cleveland Clinic.Heartburn.
Badillo R.Diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.WJGPT. 2014;5(3):105.
Campagnolo A, Priston J, Thoen R, Medeiros T, Assunção A.Laryngopharyngeal reflux: diagnosis, treatment, and latest research.Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol.2013;18(02):184-91 doi:10.1055/s-0033-1352504
Richter JE, Rubenstein JH.Presentation and epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Gastroenterology. 2018;154(2):267-76. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2017.07.045
Herbella FA, Neto SP, Santoro IL, Figueiredo LC.Gastroesophageal reflux disease and non-esophageal cancer.WJG. 2015;21(3):815, doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i3.815
Kim J-J.Upper gastrointestinal cancer and reflux disease.J Gastric Cancer. 2013;13(2):79. doi:10.5230/jgc.2013.13.2.79
American Heart Association.Heartburn or heart attack?
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