Spotting heartburn and extinguishing it

You’re busy, active and making the most of your life. But sometimes, you might feel a burning pain in your chest or 
throat. This could be heartburn. The good news is that you can learn to spot the signs and take steps to feel better.

What is heartburn?

Heartburn happens when stomach acid moves into your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, this can cause a burning feeling in your chest or throat.

Why does heartburn happen?

Heartburn can affect anyone, but certain habits can make it more likely to occur. Eating large meals, dining late at night or enjoying foods such as chocolate, peppermint or tomato-based sauces can increase symptoms. Lifestyle factors such as wearing tight clothing, increased weight gain or feeling stressed may also make heartburn worse. 

Common signs and symptoms

Heartburn can feel different for everyone, but there are common signs and symptoms. Knowing what to look for can help you recognize heartburn early and take steps to feel better.

• Burning feeling in your chest: You might feel this after eating, especially if you eat spicy or fatty foods.
• Pain in your throat: Sometimes, the burning can move up into your throat.
• Bitter or sour taste: You may notice a bitter or sour taste in your mouth.
• Trouble swallowing: Heartburn can make it feel hard or painful to swallow.
• Worse when lying down: The pain often gets worse when you lie down or bend over.

Pain with swallowing, trouble swallowing or unexplained weight loss should be discussed with your doctor.