Heartburn is a common symptom that many people experience. It is a burning sensation in the chest or throat that occurs when stomach acid rises up into the esophagus.

While heartburn is not usually a cause for concern, it can be a sign of underlying digestive issues that should not be ignored.

Causes of Heartburn

Heartburn is typically caused by acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.

This can be due to a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus and prevents stomach acid from flowing back up. Other factors that can contribute to heartburn include:.

Eating large meals or eating too quickly
Being overweight or obese
Pregnancy
Consuming trigger foods such as spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, or chocolate
Smoking
Stress

Signs of Digestive Issues

While occasional heartburn may not be a cause for concern, frequent or chronic heartburn can be a sign of underlying digestive issues. Some of the signs to look out for include:.

Difficulty swallowing
Regurgitation of food or stomach acid
Nausea or vomiting
Bloating or gas
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
Unexplained weight loss
Difficulty breathing

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weakened and stomach acid frequently flows back up into the esophagus.

GERD is a more severe form of acid reflux and can cause damage to the esophagus over time. Common symptoms of GERD include:.

Frequent or chronic heartburn
Bitter or sour taste in the mouth
Regurgitation of food or stomach acid
Difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness or sore throat
Asthma or coughing
Chest pain or discomfort
Dental problems or erosion of tooth enamel

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). They are often caused by an infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H.

pylori) or by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Common symptoms of peptic ulcers include:.

Burning pain in the upper abdomen
Nausea or vomiting
Lack of appetite or weight loss
Bloating or belching
Dark or black stools (a sign of bleeding in the stomach)

Gallstones

Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile (a digestive fluid) that form in the gallbladder. They can be asymptomatic or can cause pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or bloating.

In severe cases, gallstones can cause inflammation of the gallbladder and require surgical removal.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Common symptoms of IBD include:.

Abdominal pain or cramping
Diarrhea
Bloody stools
Fever
Weight loss or lack of appetite

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in response to the consumption of gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye).

It causes damage to the lining of the small intestine and can lead to malabsorption of nutrients and other complications. Common symptoms of celiac disease include:.

Abdominal pain or bloating
Diarrhea or constipation
Fatigue or weakness
Unexplained weight loss
Anemia (low iron levels)
Depression or anxiety

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience frequent or chronic heartburn or any of the signs of digestive issues listed above, it is important to seek medical attention.

A healthcare provider can diagnose underlying digestive issues and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include lifestyle changes (such as avoiding trigger foods, losing weight, or quitting smoking), medication, or surgery.