heartburn
Quick Summary
Heartburn is a burning discomfort felt behind the lower sternum, caused by stomach acid flowing backward into the esophagus. This backward flow is known as reflux. It's a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a digestive disorder where stomach contents frequently return into the esophagus.12
Other symptoms of GERD can include coughing, throat clearing, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, hoarseness, or worsened asthma. Causes include a relaxed lower esophageal sphincter, delayed stomach emptying, hiatal hernia, obesity, or pregnancy. Treatment involves antacids, acid-inhibiting medications, dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and sometimes surgery. If untreated, GERD can lead to Barrett esophagus and potentially esophageal cancer.2
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- digestive system diseaseGastroesophageal reflux
…sternum that is known as heartburn. Some of the refluxed material may reach the pharynx where it also may be felt as a burning sensation. Reflux is most likely to occur after large meals, especially if physical activity, including bending, stooping, or lifting, is involved. In these circumstances, the esophagus…
Read More…sternum that is known as heartburn. Some of the refluxed material may reach the pharynx where it also may be felt as a burning sensation. Reflux is most likely to occur after large meals, especially if physical activity, including bending, stooping, or lifting, is involved. In these circumstances, the esophagus…
Read More 
gastroesophageal reflux disease…common symptom of GERD is heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest and upper abdomen. Other symptoms may include coughing, frequent clearing of the throat, difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation of food or digestive fluids, hoarseness, or exacerbation of asthma.
Read More…common symptom of GERD is heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest and upper abdomen. Other symptoms may include coughing, frequent clearing of the throat, difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation of food or digestive fluids, hoarseness, or exacerbation of asthma.
Read More