Heartburn, or acid indigestion, is a burning sensation felt in the chest typically after eating or while lying down. This pain can be felt in the central part of the chest or adjacent areas and can be accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the throat and mouth. Chronic heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is caused by a weakening or malfunction of a tiny valve (the lower esophageal sphincter) that separates the esophagus from the stomach. Heartburn is a common complaint, with roughly 25 million people experiencing bouts of acid indigestion every day. At times, it can be hard to tell the difference between heartburn and a heart attack even for seasoned physicians unless certain tests are ordered.
Heartburn usually gets worse at night, especially after eating a large meal and laying down soon after. Symptoms include:
- Bad breath
- Bitter or sour taste in the throat and mouth
- Burning sensation or pain in the chest
- A lump in your throat
- Nausea
- Pain worsens when bending over or lying down
- Sleep problems
- Vomiting