Heartburn is named because it feels as if the heart just inside or below the rib cage is on fire. In reality, this condition has nothing to do with your heart. But heartburn is a common occurrence, affecting about 44% of the population. And even though it's common, only about 25% of the people who suffer from heartburn seek medical help for their problems.
What is heartburn?
The stomach acids that are hard at work digesting food can back up from the stomach into the esophagus. Because acid is irritating it causes a burning sensation in the chest and above the rib cage. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is a chronic form of heartburn, especially if it occurs several times a week. The irritating acids that creep back into the esophagus can cause tissue in the esophagus to redden, swell and become permanently damaged. Left untreated, it can cause so much damage to the esophagus that the cellular damage may lead to cancer.
Many who suffer know that the fear of heartburn keeps them from enjoying life — shying away from social activities such as going out to dinner, joining friends for Bingo or other fun events. This is unfortunate, because help is available through your physician.
