The six symptoms of heartburn are: burning sensation in the chest or throat, sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, feeling like food is stuck in the throat, regurgitation of stomach contents into the mouth, and nausea or vomiting.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of each symptom:
- Burning sensation in the chest or throat: This is the hallmark symptom of heartburn, often described as a burning pain that rises from the stomach towards the chest or throat. It's caused by stomach acid irritating the lining of the esophagus.
- Sour taste in the mouth: This occurs when stomach acid regurgitates into the mouth, leaving a bitter or sour taste.
- Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia): Heartburn can irritate and inflame the esophagus, making it difficult or painful to swallow. This can sometimes feel like food is getting stuck.
- Feeling like food is stuck in the throat: Similar to difficulty swallowing, this sensation arises from the inflammation or spasms in the esophagus caused by stomach acid.
- Regurgitation of stomach contents into the mouth: This is the backward flow of stomach acid and sometimes food into the mouth. It can be quite unpleasant and often accompanies a sour or bitter taste.
- Nausea or vomiting: In some cases, severe heartburn can trigger nausea or even vomiting due to the irritation of the digestive tract.
It's important to note that while these are common symptoms of heartburn, they can also be indicative of other medical conditions. If you experience these symptoms frequently or severely, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
