Consumer Relationship Center

This link will take you to a Website to which this Website's Privacy Policy does not apply.
We encourage you to read the Privacy Policy of every Website you visit.

If you are a resident of Canada, click here Privacy Policy | Legal Notice | En Español

Product Locator Shop Online TYLENOL® & Safety | News & Offers | Ask Us

Symptoms & Conditions > Adults' > Heartburn >

All About Heartburn

After you eat or drink, it's normal for your stomach to produce acid to help digestion. But certain things like overeating, eating too fast, spicy or fatty foods, alcohol and tobacco can result in excess acid. That's what causes sour stomach, stomach upset (acid indigestion) or the burning sensation (heartburn) that starts in the stomach and moves up through the upper chest into the throat.

In most cases, acid indigestion and heartburn can be reduced in frequency or stopped altogether by simple changes in diet, lifestyle, and the use of antacids or acid controllers.

Heartburn symptoms occur when acid moves from its natural place in the stomach up into the food pipe or esophagus, causing burning pains. Heartburn can be felt as a burning pain under the breastbone or at the bottom of the esophagus.

Other symptoms include general discomfort and an uncomfortable feeling of fullness; all these symptoms can interfere with everyday activities.

Is what you're feeling really heartburn?

All told, over 95 million Americans experience acid indigestion and heartburn annually, according to a recent survey. Are you part of this group? To find out, answer these questions:

	YES	NO
Would you describe your pain as a burning sensation in the upper chest area?
Does the pain occur after meals, especially large or fatty ones?
Does the pain get worse when you lie down or when you bend over?
Has the pain been relieved in the past by antacids?
Does the pain come and go?

If you answered "yes" to some of these questions, it is likely that the discomfort you have been feeling is heartburn.

However, if you have lost weight unexpectedly over the past several months; if your symptoms get worse when you exercise or do physical activity; or if you've been having pain or difficulty in swallowing, you may have something more serious. See your doctor so that the two of you can carefully go over these symptoms.

What causes heartburn?

Normally, the food you eat is swallowed and passes through the esophagus into the stomach. Once in the stomach, a circular band of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, closes and prevents food and stomach juices from re-entering the esophagus. If the sphincter relaxes abnormally or becomes weakened, stomach acid can wash back up (reflux) in the esophagus and cause irritation.

While it's normal for the stomach to produce acid, especially after you eat, certain factors can cause excess acid or acid in the wrong place.

What kinds of medicine relieve heartburn?

There are three kinds of medicine used for heartburn relief:

Antacids: Antacids work by neutralizing acid in the stomach. Antacids neutralize acid on contact, providing fast, soothing relief within minutes.

Acid Reducers: Also known as acid controllers, acid reducers reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Acid reducers go directly to the source of the stomach acid and inhibit acid production, the underlying cause of heartburn and acid indigestion. By lowering the rate of acid being released into the stomach before a meal, acid reducers can also prevent symptoms of heartburn. Acid reducers last for up to 12 hours, thus providing long lasting relief.

Proton-Pump Inhibitors: Proton-pump inhibitors, a type of acid reducer, are also known as PPIs. They are obtainable only by prescription. They work by inhibiting the acid-producing cells in the stomach.

I have heartburn regularly. Is something else wrong with me?

If you suffer from heartburn at least once a week, especially if your heartburn is severe or prolonged, consult your doctor.

If symptoms persist longer than two weeks, you should consult your doctor. Symptoms lasting longer than two weeks may indicate a more serious underlying problem.

Researchers have found a strong link between heartburn and cancer of the esophagus. The risk of developing a certain type of esophageal cancer, called esophageal adenocarcinoma, is more than 7 times higher among people who regularly suffer heartburn. Not all people with acid reflux will get esophageal cancer. But anything that causes such a large increase in risk shouldn't be ignored. Intense symptoms such as vomiting or regurgitating blood, inhaling stomach contents while sleeping, or severe chest pain that lasts more than 15 minutes and does not respond to treatment - require immediate attention. (Note: Severe chest pain may also be a sign of heart disease or a heart attack.)