What Causes Heartburn – Important Factors that May Contribute to Your Heartburn
Heartburn is a problem that occurs when stomach acid begins to back up into your throat and esophagus. When this occurs, you can deal with a burning pain that occurs in your chest or throat. This can occur when the lower esophageal sphincter is not closing the way that it should, allowing the stomach acid to leave the stomach and enter the esophagus. Wondering what causes heartburn to occur? Here is a look at some of the most common causes of this problem that you need to be aware of.
Cause #1 – Medications
If you’re wondering what causes heartburn, you’ll find that one of the common causes happens to be medications. A variety of medications are known to cause heartburn as one of the side effects. If you think that you may be dealing with this problem as a result of one of your medications, you should discuss this to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to change the medication. Some of the common medications that can cause this problem include calcium channel blockers and beta blockers. Sometimes tricyclic antidepressants, sedatives, and even bronchodilators may cause this to occur as well.
Cause #2 – Lifestyle
Another of the things that causes heartburn to occur is your lifestyle. If you are overweight or you overeat on a regular basis, you are more likely to deal with heartburn. Being overweight can cause extra pressure on the abdomen, causing the acid reflux problem to occur. Sometimes going to bed after eating can also cause heartburn to occur. Smoking is a lifestyle problem that can also lead to heartburn on a regular basis. Some of the chemicals in cigarettes can weaken your lower esophageal sphincter, allowing heartburn to occur more often. Eating particular foods, including caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits, spicy foods, and even tomato products, can end up causing heartburn as well.
Cause #3 – Gerd
What causes heartburn? Another of the common causes is known as Gerd. If you have heartburn and you cannot control it by changing your diet or lifestyle, this may mean that you are dealing with Gerd, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. This can occur when the esophageal sphincter is damaged or weakened permanently. Usually prescription medications are needed to control this problem and help to relieve the problem with heartburn.
Cause #4 – Hiatal Hernia
Last, you’ll also find that a hiatal hernia can be the cause of heartburn. Hiatel hernias occur when a part of the upper stomach starts pushing up into the chest. This can cause the esophageal muscle to end up weakening, causing acid reflux to occur. Being overweight and smoking make you more likely to develop a hiatel hernia or it can occur in some people as they grow older as well.
If you’re wondering what causes heartburn, these are just a few of the common causes that you need to understand. If you continue dealing with this problem, make sure you tell your doctor. Sometimes you may have a more serious underlying problem that can be treated by your doctor to help relieve the heartburn problems.
What Causes Heartburn