Heartburn is a condition that causes severe a pain and discomfort. The condition is also known as Reflux Oesophagus. This is caused when the acid from the stomach is pushed back into the gullet or Oesophagus. The gullet is not capable of withstanding acid and this in turn causes pain and discomfort in us, which is commonly known as heartburn.

The problem of heartburn led to sever discomfort and burning pain in the chest. Heartburn is often aggravated when you are in the lying down position or bend very often to pick up things or while working in the garden.

Heartburn is also associated with intense feeling of acid and food particles in the esophagus. Most of us experience heartburn occasionally but if it persists then a visit to the doctor may be necessary. Heartburn is known as gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD. This problem affects men and women, infants and children.

In children the problem is usually acute in infants but goes away once they reach the age of one.

There are many factors that lead to the condition of heartburn. Eating large meals, fatty food, smoking, alcohol etc. are all factors that contribute to heartburn. Obesity is also one of the major factors leading to heartburn.

If the heartburn persists for a long duration then a visit to a gastroenterologist is recommended. The doctor will be able to identify the causes for heartburn and suggest suitable remedies. The treatment for heartburn could be a combination of lifestyle changes and medicines. In extreme cases even surgery may become necessary.

In case of persistent heartburn even after change in lifestyle and medications then further investigations may be necessary to identify the exact problem. The doctor may recommend you to undergo investigations like endoscopy, barium swallow radiograph or pH monitoring examination.

Heartburn is also known to result form indigestion. If the problem of heartburn is observed for more than a couple of times every week then it could be a symptom of GERD. Most symptoms of heartburn should disappear after a few changes to lifestyle.

However, if the symptoms persist even after taking antacids for 15 days or more then a visit to the doctor is a must. In most cases the doctor can treat heartburn with suggestions for change in diet and lifestyle. In some case medication may also be recommended. In extreme case surgery may be the only option. If you wish to avoid surgery then a new implant is available for treating heartburn, which the FDA has recently approved.