Heartburn
Heartburn is a painful sensation that originates in the upper abdomen and travels upward into the esophagus. Increased symptoms of heartburn may result from a stomach ulcer and is mainly accompanied by indigestion. Heartburn symptoms might include a bitter or sour feeling at the back of the throat. The discomfort of heartburn may linger anywhere from a few minutes to many hours. It generally feels worse after eating or lying down too soon after eating. Heartburn may also manifest as an itchy, painful, and burning in the throat.
The tube called the esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The esophageal sphincter functions as a valve at the esophagus’s lower end. This valve relaxes to prevent the stomach from bloating and opens to let food in. The digestive process begins in the stomach, where a highly acidic combination breaks down the food. However, in heartburn, the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach doesn’t always seal tightly, allowing stomach acid to leak into the esophagus. Fortunately, various over-the-counter drugs can be availed without prescription to aid with heartburn symptoms. Acid blockers, sometimes known as antacids, can provide rapid relief. However, they are ineffective in repairing an esophagus eroded by stomach juices. Other medications include H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors.