What is heartburn?
What is heartburn video PP-NEC-GBR-0214
When you eat or drink proton pumps in your stomach release acid which helps break down food and kill bacteria, because the stomach lining is protected this doesn't hurt at all. Usually the valve at the base of the oesophagus keeps the acid in the stomach so you never feel it. Sometimes that valve relaxes and allows acid to escape into the oesophagus, which has no protective lining. When the acid comes into contact with the oesophagus it can become sensitive and you may experience a burning sensation in your chest and throat. This is heartburn, and it can be quite painful. Frequent heartburn is heartburn that occurs twice a week or more the repeated flare-ups of frequent heartburn can disrupt sleep and get in the way of everyday life. Nexium Control is an effective way to treat frequent heartburn.
- Burning pain in the chest area, the back of your throat or oesophagus.
- A bitter hot or unpleasant taste or fluid at the back of the throat or mouth.
- A burning pain that wakes you in the night, causing you to feel tired in the daytime.
- A general feeling of being unwell.
Heartburn is considered frequent when it occurs at least twice a week. Frequent heartburn is a common condition that affects one in six adults†. If you have it, you will know the toll it can take on your life: You can't eat or drink what you want and it can leave you in pain. It often prevents you from getting a good night's sleep, leaving you tired at work. Don't let heartburn get the better of you. Control it.
†Nexium Control Usage and Attitudes study 2013, Prepared by the Forbes Consulting Group
Many frequent heartburn sufferers become preocuppied with setting off an attack of heartburn and feel this can restrict their enjoyment of life.
It can lead to irritation or frustration over the frequent burning pain, made worse by the tiredness from interrupted sleep.
It can be a sign of something more serious.
Rarely, heartburn can be a sign of a more serious medical problem. See your GP if your symptoms do not improve after 14 consecutive days of treatment or if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain with light-headedness, sweating, dizziness or shoulder pain with shortness of breath
- Vomiting food or blood
- Passing black stools
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
- Pain or other problems swallowing
- Pain or signs of indigestion such as nausea or bloated feeling after eating
- You are over 55 and have new or recently changed acid reflux symptoms.