What Does Heartburn Actually Feel Like? GI Docs Explain

Kaitlin Vogel
·4 min read
2

Wondering if you're dealing with heartburn or something else? Here's how to know.

If you’ve ever experienced heartburn, then you know how painful it can be. Heartburn occurs when the stomach acids that digest food travel backward into the esophagus, leading to a sharp pain in the chest.

If you don't know what it is, however, heartburn can sometimes be confused with other health conditions—like a heart attack—which can be incredibly scary. That's why it’s important to know what symptoms to expect. Here's what you need to know about what heartburn actually feels like, and the conditions it's most often confused with.

What Heartburn Feels Like

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest, usually caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. It can feel like a hot, painful or uncomfortable sensation, often described as a burning feeling in the chest or throat, Dr. Brian Wolfman, MD, a gastroenterologist at Coastal Gastroenterology Associates, a division of Allied Digestive Health, explains.

It may also give a sour or bitter taste in the mouth and can be confused with other conditions such as a heart attack or angina. If you're unsure whether you're experiencing heartburn or something more serious, seek medical attention immediately—it's always a good idea to see a doctor if you're dealing with chest pain to rule out anything serious.

Related: Heartburn Help is Here—Experts Share Their Top Tips to Get Rid of Heartburn

The Medical Conditions People Typically Confuse Heartburn With

Heartburn can sometimes be confused with other medical conditions because the symptoms may be similar, Dr. Kenneth Brown, MD, a gastroenterologist in Plano, Texas, states. Some conditions that can cause symptoms similar to heartburn include:

Angina

This is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed, causing chest pain that can be mistaken for heartburn. Unlike heartburn, angina pain may also radiate to the arms, neck or jaw.

Esophageal spasms

This is a condition where the muscles of the esophagus contract abnormally, causing chest pain that may feel like heartburn. However, the pain from esophageal spasms may be more severe and can come and go.

Peptic ulcer disease

This is a condition where ulcers develop on the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), which can cause symptoms such as deep abdominal pain, nausea and heartburn-like pain. However, the pain from peptic ulcer disease may be more localized to the upper abdomen.

Top Signs of Heartburn

Dr. Brown explains some of the signs that you may be experiencing heartburn.

  • Burning sensation in the chest or throat called pyrosis: This is the most common symptom of heartburn. The burning sensation is usually in the middle of the chest and may spread to the throat.

  • Regurgitation: This is when stomach contents and acid flow back into the throat or mouth, causing a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.

  • Trouble swallowing: Longstanding heartburn can lead to a stricture, making it difficult to swallow.

  • Chest pain: Some people may experience chest pain, which can be mistaken for a heart attack. However, chest pain associated with heartburn is usually a burning sensation not associated with exertion, like angina-type chest pain.

  • Nausea: Some people may feel nauseous or even vomit during or after heartburn episodes.

  • Belching: Heartburn can also cause excessive belching or burping—worsening symptoms.

Causes of Heartburn

Heartburn is caused by the backup of stomach acid into the esophagus. This can be due to a variety of factors, Dr. Wolfman explains. These include:

  • A weakened or relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (the muscular ring that separates the stomach from the esophagus)

  • Certain foods and drinks (such as spicy, fatty or acidic foods, coffee, and alcohol)

  • Smoking

  • Pregnancy

  • Obesity

  • Certain medical conditions such as hiatal hernia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Related: Got Heartburn Again? It Might Be Time to Check Your Diet—These Foods Are the Most Common Culprits for Causing Heartburn

How To Treat Heartburn

There are several ways to treat heartburn. Dr. Wolfman provides a list:

  • Over-the-counter antacids or acid reducers (such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors)

  • Avoiding trigger foods and drinks

  • Eating smaller, more frequent meals

  • Not lying down for at least two to three hours after eating

  • Losing weight (if you are overweight)

  • Quitting smoking

  • Elevating the head of your bed

  • Managing stress

If you're dealing with ongoing heartburn issues, seek medical attention—a doctor can help you come up with a treatment plan that works for you.

Next up: Have These 3 Drinks on Hand if You Want a Little Heartburn Relief

Sources

  • Brian Wolfman, MD, a gastroenterologist at Coastal Gastroenterology Associates, a division of Allied Digestive Health

  • Dr. Kenneth Brown, a gastroenterologist in Plano, Texas