Acid reflux or heart burn occurs when the gastric juices along with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach leaks into the esophagus and subsequently moves upwards in the throat. Acid reflux causes sensation of heat, warmth, burning pain in chest and below the breast bone called epigastrium. It sometimes radiates to the neck or arms.
Acid Reflux And Empty Stomach
Stomach secretes hydrochloric acid and other juices and enzyme for food digestion, due to conducive environment of stomach and the protective cells in the stomach, acid does not harm the internal lining of stomach, but it is not so with the esophagus. Therefore when acid moves up in the esophagus it corrodes its internal lining.
Causes Of Heartburn On An Empty Stomach
When stomach remains empty for a long duration, the acid secreted in it becomes more concentrated, and when it moves upwards burning sensation is more felt. Therefore to prevent acid reflux on empty stomach, it is always advisable to eat small meals frequently to reduce the acid concentration in the stomach.