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| '''Heartburn''' or '''pyrosis''' is a painful burning sensation in the ], just below the ]. The pain often rises in the ] and may radiate to the ] or ]. | '''Heartburn''' or '''pyrosis''' is a painful burning sensation in the ], just below the ]. The pain often rises in the ] and may radiate to the ] or ]. | ||
| ==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
| It is caused by the failure to close the lower esophageal ] (LES) at the top of the ]. This allows stomach contents, now mixed with ], to return into the esophagus. This return is also known as ''reflux'', and may progress to ] (GERD) if it occurs frequently. ], the rhythmic wave of muscular contraction in the esophagus, normally moves food down and past the LES. | It is caused by the failure to close the lower esophageal ] (LES) at the top of the ]. This allows stomach contents, now mixed with ], to return into the esophagus. This return is also known as ''reflux'', and may progress to ] (GERD) if it occurs frequently. ], the rhythmic wave of muscular contraction in the esophagus, normally moves food down and past the LES. | ||
| ==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
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| ]s, ]s and ]s are used (in that order) to treat heartburn. | ]s, ]s and ]s are used (in that order) to treat heartburn. | ||
| ==See also== | |||
| *] | |||
| {{med-stub}} | {{med-stub}} | ||
Revision as of 01:58, 17 April 2005
Heartburn or pyrosis is a painful burning sensation in the esophagus, just below the breastbone. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck or throat.
Pathophysiology
It is caused by the failure to close the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) at the top of the stomach. This allows stomach contents, now mixed with gastric acid, to return into the esophagus. This return is also known as reflux, and may progress to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) if it occurs frequently. Peristalsis, the rhythmic wave of muscular contraction in the esophagus, normally moves food down and past the LES.
Treatment
If heartburn occurs when lying down, raising the head with pillows or sitting up frequently provides relief. Avoidance of certain foods shortly before bedtime is frequently advised to avoid future attacks.
Antacids, H2-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors are used (in that order) to treat heartburn.
See also
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