Heartburn

When dealing with heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid moving up the esophagus. Also called acid reflux, it is a hallmark sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic condition where the lower esophageal sphincter fails to keep acid down. Heartburn often demands lifestyle adjustments, such as changing meal timing or reducing fatty foods, and it frequently responds to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), drugs that lower stomach acid production. Understanding how these pieces fit together helps you pick the right relief strategy.

Key factors and relief strategies

Most episodes start after a big, spicy, or greasy meal, when the stomach pushes more acid than usual. Other triggers include caffeine, chocolate, mint, and alcohol—basically anything that relaxes the sphincter or irritates the lining. Stress plays a sneaky role too; cortisol can increase acid secretion and heighten pain perception. When the problem repeats, doctors may look for underlying issues like a hiatal hernia, chronic gastritis, or even Zollinger‑Ellison syndrome, a rare tumor that pumps out excess gastrin and creates severe acid overload. Diagnosis typically starts with a symptom review, then may involve an upper endoscopy or a pH monitoring test to confirm that acid is indeed the culprit.

Treatment follows a step‑wise approach. Over‑the‑counter antacids give quick, short‑term relief by neutralizing acid, while H2‑blockers like ranitidine cut acid production for a few hours. If symptoms persist, doctors usually step up to PPIs—omeprazole, esomeprazole, or the generic equivalents—because they block the final step of acid creation and work for 24 hours or more. For people who can’t tolerate PPIs or need a backup, newer options like potassium‑competitive acid blockers are emerging. Alongside meds, practical changes matter: eat smaller portions, avoid lying down for two hours after meals, raise the head of your bed, and keep a food diary to spot patterns. The collection below dives deeper into specific drug comparisons, diet tips, and condition‑specific advice, so you can match the right tool to your situation.