Gastroesophageal reflux, or heartburn, results in a burning sensation in the chest or throat. It occurs when the esophagus relaxes and stomach acid enters the esophagus. Many can manage heartburn by limiting certain foods and drinks, such as coffee and alcohol. Certain medications can also help with your heartburn symptoms. If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, you may want to talk to your doctor about GERD, which can be damaging to the esophagus. GERD is only one of the many conditions related to heartburn. Many others, some even life-threatening, can mimic the symptoms of heartburn or result in the development of the condition.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is one condition that can be mistaken for heartburn. Signs and symptoms of heart disease can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back. You may also experience pain, coldness, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs. This condition can be mistaken for heartburn because both can result in chest pain. If you notice that you experience heartburn when you engage in moderate or strenuous exercise, or if you have difficulty breathing, you may want to talk to your doctor about heart disease.
Gallstones
Gallstones, which are masses that develop in the gallbladder, can also be mistaken for heartburn. Gallstones are hard and small masses that can block the bile ducts. Pain from gallstones is usually more intense than pain from heartburn, but it can be mistaken for heartburn due to the pain occurring in the abdomen. If you still experience pain when taking acid-suppressing medication for your heartburn symptoms, you may want to talk to your doctor about gallstones.
Stomach Ulcers
If you experience chest pain and have been using long-term anti-inflammatory drugs, stomach ulcers can also be a condition mistaken for heartburn. Stomach ulcers are caused by a type of bacteria that inflames the lining of the stomach, and antibiotics are required to treat the infection. Ulcers can cause chest pain and a burning sensation in the upper abdomen and chest.
Hiatal Hernias and Esophageal Cancer
Two other conditions that can be mistaken for heartburn can include hiatal hernias and esophageal cancer. Occurring when a portion of the stomach manages to poke through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity, a hiatal hernia can push food and stomach acid into the esophagus, causing GERD and pain similar to that of heartburn. You can also experience chest pain, nausea, and belching. While you are not likely to have esophageal cancer if you experience heartburn, if your heartburn has occurred long term, you may want to check with your doctor about esophageal cancer screenings. Long-term heartburn can put you at a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Gastroparesis and Esophagitis
Gastroparesis and esophagitis are known causes of heartburn. Nerve damage related to diabetes can affect the digestive tract and can cause food to move slowly through the digestive system. This can result in heartburn due to gastroparesis. Esophagitis occurs due to frequent acid reflux. Taking pain killers or osteoporosis medications without water can cause them to remain in the esophagus, resulting in inflammation. Inflammation can also be caused by certain infections or radiation. Esophagitis can also be related to allergies and asthma.
Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing the symptoms of heartburn, as it could be something more serious. Treating chronic heartburn can improve your long-term gastrointestinal health!