Heartburn refers to a digestive disorder in which gastric acids from the stomach regurgitate into the esophagus, causing irritation and a burning sensation in the chest. In severe form it is accompanied by acute pain that may spread as far as the neck, throat and even the jaw. Since the pain originates from the region just below the breastbone, slightly towards the left side, heartburn symptoms may often get confused with those of heart attack. A number of factors can give rise to heartburn, the intensity of which usually increases after meals, especially while lying down or while bending. Here we summarize the common causes of heartburn.

What Causes Heartburn?

Heartburn occurs due to gastric acids entering the food pipe, the esophagus - unlike the stomach where the lining is not protected by a mucus layer. And this entry back into the esophagus happens when the protective one-way muscular valve – the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which separates the esophagus from the stomach – becomes weak or dysfunctional, allowing the acidic contents of the stomach to flow back into the esophagus.

Thus, all factors causing disruption of the normal functioning of the LES valve can cause acid reflux and act as causes of heartburn.

Common Causes Of Heartburn

Basically, the causes of heartburn fall into three categories:

  1. those causing an increased upward pressure on the valve, forcing it to open a bit;
  2. those slackening the muscles of the valve, making it weak and unable to close fully; and
  3. those enhancing the production of gastric acids in the stomach.

Factors that cause heartburn by increasing the upward pressure on the LES valve, be it from inside the stomach or from outside the stomach, are:

  • Eating very large portions
  • Eating gas-producing foods and fatty/oily foods that digest slowly
  • Pregnancy
  • Wearing extremely tight clothes, especially tight waistbands, tight belts and slimming undergarments
  • Sleeping on a full stomach, as happens when you have dinner around bedtime
  • Bending down often

Factors that may cause slackening of the valve muscles and hence heartburn are:

  • Certain types of foods
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages

Factors that may enhance the production of gastric acids in the stomach, causing heartburn, are:

  • Fatty/oily foods, especially deep-fried snacks
  • Excessively spicy foods
  • Stressful conditions
  • Some types of medications

The causes of heartburn are varied. Some may be controlled by switching to healthy food habits and careful dressing, while others may require proper medical attention. Whatever the cause, heartburn is an extremely discomforting condition that should not be taken lightly and appropriate steps should be taken to help relieve your symptoms.