Causes of Heartburn | Esophageal pain | Heartburn Complications

Causes of heartburn:

Definition:

Heartburn is a burning retrosternal sensation usually due to inflammation of the esophagus as in reflux esophagitis.

Sometimes dysmotility (non-motility) of the esophagus produces a similar sensation.

Acid peptic contents of the gastric juice are mainly responsible for causing heartburn. Bile and pancreatic secretions can also cause such esophagitis if they are exposed to lower esophagus.

Heartburn is a widespread common disorder which, if not treated in time, leads to ulcer formation in the digestive tract.

It is mainly caused when hydrochloric acid, an important component of the digestive juices, is produced in excess.

External causative factors for heartburn -

1. Excessive hot, spicy and fried food.
2. Intake of fats, sweets, adulterated and fermented food.
3. Alcohol consumption.
4. Excessive intake of strong chocolate, tea, coffee, garlic, onions and excessive smoking.

1. Stress-related conditions like anger fear and worry.
2. Excessive exposure to sun and heat.
3. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs.
4. Irregular and bad eating habits.
5. Tobacco is more dangerous and one of the causative factor.

Internal causative factors for heartburn-

1. The majority of the patients with heartburn have associated sliding esophageal hiatus hernia.
2. Systemic collagen diseases involving esophagus may cause heartburn. There is considerable loss of lower esophageal sphincter tone and peristalsis which causes heartburn.
3. Impaired gastric-outlet emptying may give rise to heartburn.
4. Other causes of heartburn include operations which destroy or by-pass the normal lower esophageal competence mechanism. These include resection of the gastro-esophageal junction, various types of cardioplasties.

Complications due to heartburn which can again cause heartburn are -

i.  Esophageal bleeding.

ii. Shortening of esophagus.

iii. Stricture of esophagus.

iv. Barrett’s esophagus.

v.  Adenocarcinoma

vi. Contraction ring of lower esophagus.

vii. Esophageal ulcer penetration or perforation.

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