What Is Heartburn

Everyone produces stomach acid to help with digestion. If your stomach produces too much acid, heartburn symptoms can occur. This happens when stomach acid moves up into your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Occasional heartburn can be caused by diet and lifestyle choices. It's important to know that different people experience heartburn in different ways. You may have one or more of the symptoms listed below.

Heartburn symptoms:

• Painful burning in the chest, just behind the breastbone, typically 1 to 4 hours after eating
• Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
• Excessive burping
• A hoarse, sore throat
• Coughing or choking while lying down
• Sleep problems after eating

Heartburn can mimic a heart attack. If you have any doubt about the source of your pain, get emergency treatment immediately.