Heartburn can be caused by various factors such as GERD, gastritis, pregnancy, obesity, and hiatal hernia. It can lead to complications such as coughing, ulcers, and even cancer. Avoiding trigger foods and medications is recommended.
Heartburn is often a symptom of other diseases going on in the body. It manifests as a burning sensation in the chest due to the reflux or regurgitation of stomach contents or acids into the esophagus. One of the most common causes of constant heartburn is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Other causes include gastritis, pregnancy, and eating certain foods and medications. Your posture and choice of clothing can also contribute to constant heartburn.
GERD, commonly referred to as acid reflux, is a condition in which the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) functions abnormally. The LES, a ring of muscle around the lower end of the esophagus, prevents stomach contents from flowing back up. When this doesn’t work properly, acids and other stomach contents can back up into the esophagus and mouth. This is why, in addition to constant heartburn, many patients also experience a bitter or sour taste in the throat and mouth, as well as symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
Gastritis, another cause of constant heartburn, is inflammation of the stomach lining. This frequently occurs due to infections, use of certain medications, exposure to chemicals, and physical stress. Nausea, belching, abdominal pain and vomiting are some of its common manifestations.
Pregnancy, as well as obesity, can also lead to constant heartburn. The pressure from the pregnant woman’s growing abdomen often pushes the stomach contents backwards, thus leading to the incidence of constant heartburn. Likewise, in obese individuals, the increase in abdominal size can also put pressure on the stomach region. Wearing tight clothing, as well as bending over and lying down, especially after a full meal, can sometimes cause stomach acid and contents to come back up.
Hiatal hernia, a medical condition in which part of the stomach protrudes through a weak opening in the diaphragm, is another cause of constant heartburn. Intake of fatty foods and beverages such as tea, alcohol and soft drinks can also cause heartburn in sensitive individuals. Blood pressure medications, as well as some asthma medications, are also implicated in some cases of heartburn. People suffering from chronic heartburn are often advised to avoid foods, drinks and medicines that could further aggravate their condition.
Complications that can result from constant heartburn include coughing, ulcer formation in the esophagus, and narrowing of the esophagus. Some patients can develop Barrett’s esophagus, which can lead to cancer. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the cells lining the esophagus undergo changes due to frequent contact with stomach acid.
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