What is Heartburn?
Heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which occurs when stomach acids back up from the stomach into the esophagus, creating that familiar burning sensation.
It is caused when the ring of muscle that separates your esophagus from your stomach fails to close after you swallow, allowing acid to churn upwards.
Heredity, fatty and/or spicy foods, smoking, alcohol and certain medications are usually the cause of GERD. Long-term effects may include ulcers, esophagitis, asthma and Barrett's esophagus (a pre-cancerous condition).
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