Heartburn Information
Further Information on Heartburn
Take a look at our heartburn glossary to reference useful heartburn terms. Then, check out our list of heartburn links for helpful reading and research.
Heartburn Glossary
Acid reflux: The backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
Antacids: Heartburn treatments such as Tums and Rolaids that neutralize the acid in your stomach. Unlike the proactive PPI, antacids are usually taken after you eat or when pain begins. While no heartburn treatments cure the condition, antacids provide only temporary relief.
Esophagus: The tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The esophagus is part of the digestive system.
Frequent heartburn: Heartburn that occurs two or more days per week.
Gastric acid: Another name for stomach acid that is produced by the stomach to help break down food for digestion.
Gastroenterologist: A physician who specializes in disorders and conditions of the digestive tract.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD: A disease in which contents in the stomach back up into the esophagus. Chronic, persistent heartburn is the most common sign of GERD. Other signs include: regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, coughing, hoarseness and a feeling of a lump in the throat. If you think you may have this condition, talk to your doctor.
H2 Blockers: Heartburn treatments such as Tagamet, Pepcid and Zantac that relieve symptoms by reducing stomach acid production. They begin working within an hour and last for 12 hours. H2 Blockers are not as effective in treating severe heartburn as PPIs.
Heartburn: A burning discomfort that is generally felt in the chest, just behind the breastbone. The burning sensation results when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
Heartburn Trigger: A food or lifestyle factor that is commonly known to cause heartburn to flare up. See common heartburn triggers.
Lower esophageal sphincter (LES): The valve that allows food into the stomach, but does not allow it back into the esophagus under normal conditions (e.g., after swallowing).
Proton pump inhibitors: Prilosec OTC is a PPI — it works by shutting down many active acid stomach pumps to block heartburn before it begins.*
Heartburn Links
The National Heartburn Alliance (NHBA)
Healthcare professionals dedicated to providing education and a community of support for heartburn sufferers. Download their helpful brochures, including a Stop and Select Guide that identifies possible trigger foods.
The American College of Gastroenterology
An organization of doctors who specialize in the digestive system. The College provides information for patients wanting to know more about common digestive problems.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
The oldest nonprofit specialty medical society in the country has created a digestive health resource center for patients and the public.
Heartburn: Hints on Dealing with the Discomfort
Information brought to you by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), specialists who provide a full range of healthcare for each member of the family. This information is also available in Spanish.
Heartburn: Medline-Related Resources
Comprehensive listing of heartburn resources compiled by Medline Plus, a service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
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