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Heartburn
Definition:
A painful burning sensation in the throat (esophagus) just below the breastbone. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck or throat.
Alternative Names:
Pyrosis; Non-cardiac chest pain; GERD
Considerations:
The backup of acid from the stomach into the esophagus causes irritation.
Common Causes:


Home Care:
Consult a health care provider about discontinuing medications that cause heartburn (such as sedatives, calcium channel blockers - oral, and anticholinergics). NEVER CHANGE MEDICATION WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.

Avoid coffee, alcohol, tobacco, large meals, and citrus fruits. Avoid eating 2 to 3 hours prior to bedtime. Avoid tight fitting clothing.

Elevate the head of the bed 4 to 6 inches. Lose weight if needed. (Talk with your health care provider before beginning an exercise program.)
Call your health care provider if:
  • there is vomiting of black, coffee ground-like, or bloody material.
  • the stools are black in color (like tar).
  • the problem becomes frequent or is prolonged.
  • you start losing weight
  • you have difficulty swallowing (food feels stuck as it goes down)
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting heartburn in detail may include:
  • time pattern
    • When did it begin?
    • How long did it last?
    • Is this the first time you have had heartburn?
  • diet information
    • What is your usual diet like?
    • Do you drink excessive amounts of coffee?
    • Do you drink alcohol?
    • Have you recently eaten a spicy meal?
  • other aggravating factors
    • Do you smoke?
    • Do you wear clothing that is tight in the chest or abdomen?
    • Are you overweight?
  • radiation
    • Does the pain also appear in the chest, jaw, arm, or elsewhere?
  • other
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: Intervention:
Medications to reduce acid secretion may be prescribed. Any sign of bleeding will require a more involved approach to therapy.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to heartburn to your personal medical record.
Review Date: 10/25/2001
Reviewed By: Janak N. Shah, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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