Heartburn is a burning pain in the chest or throat, below the breast bone.

Causes

• Reflux of gastric acids in the esophagus or the food pipe
• Obesity
• Certain foods
• Coffee
• Carbonated drinks
•  Alcohol
• Smoking
• Large meals
• Lying down too soon after eating
• Certain health conditions like diabetes, GERD and hiatal hernia
• Pregnancy
• Certain medications
• Delayed stomach emptying

Symptoms

• Burning pain in the chest or throat
• Worsening pain on bending, lying and during night
• Sour or bitter taste in the throat or the mouth
• Belching

Treatment

Mild heartburn can be treated by life style changes and over the counter medication. Severe cases may require surgery.

Prevention

• Avoid large meals
• Avoid lying down immediately after meals
• Maintain healthy weight
• Avoid spicy and fatty foods