Heartburn
So, how can a liver cyst cause heartburn? It all depends on where the liver is located in relation to the stomach. The liver is situated just below the diaphragm that acts as a barrier between the stomach and other organs in the chest, like the lungs and heart.
When the diaphragm contracts, it squeezes the stomach and pushes its contents into the esophagus. This action is known as reflux. Reflux happens when the stomach contents are acidic, which irritates and inflames the lining of the esophagus, causing heartburn. When a liver cyst presses on the diaphragm, it interferes with its ability to contract properly. This gives stomach acid an easier path upward into the esophagus, leading to heartburn.
If you have a liver cyst and you’re experiencing frequent heartburn, there are several things people with liver cysts can do for heartburn relief. Individuals must eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day instead of three large meals. It is also important to avoid trigger foods like citrus fruits, coffee, tea, chocolate, and fatty and fried foods. Doctors may also recommend patients to sleep with their heads elevated so that gravity keeps stomach acid from moving up into the esophagus.
