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Heartburn
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<p>Heartburn is a burning sensation felt behind the <a href="/facts/Breastbone/qIPMpyIz">breastbone</a>. It is a symptom that is commonly linked to <a href="/facts/Acid_reflux/8YhncnDz">acid reflux</a> and is often triggered by food, particularly fatty, sugary, spicy, chocolate, <a href="/facts/Citrus/6FqG38Dk">citrus</a>, onion-based and tomato-based products. Lying down, bending, lifting, and performing certain <a href="/facts/Exercise/egYQjt8A">exercises</a> can exacerbate heartburn. Causes include acid reflux, <a href="/facts/Gastroesophageal_reflux_disease/8YhncnDz">gastroesophageal reflux disease</a> (GERD), damage to the esophageal lining, <a href="/facts/Bile_acid/ojTJzf0c">bile acid</a>, mechanical stimulation to the <a href="/facts/Esophagus/XWa7WoWn">esophagus</a>, and esophageal <a href="/facts/Hypersensitivity/j2AWmqCD">hypersensitivity</a>. Heartburn affects 25% of the population at least once a month. </p><p><a href="/facts/Endoscopy/L4V1fGPN">Endoscopy</a> and <a href="/facts/Esophageal_pH_monitoring/FGLBv4UX">esophageal pH monitoring</a> can be used to evaluate heartburn. Some causes of heartburn, such as GERD, may be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. Potential <a href="/facts/Differential_diagnosis/jLqnn5hA">differential diagnoses</a> for heartburn include motility disorders, ulcers, <a href="/facts/Esophagitis/pgLYnRt1">inflammation of the esophagus</a>, and medication <a href="/facts/Side_effect/PhuX2haY">side effects</a>. Lifestyle changes, such as <a href="/facts/Weight_loss/DQE4cXw0">losing weight</a> and avoiding fatty foods, can improve heartburn. <a href="/facts/Over-the-counter_drug/QI3FcgRf">Over-the-counter</a> <a href="/facts/Alginates/qt8udetb">alginates</a> or <a href="/facts/Antacid/CP9PeyQ8">antacids</a> can help with mild or occasional heartburn. Heartburn treatment primarily involves antisecretory medications like <a href="/facts/H2_receptor_antagonists/Ra6UHBGy">H2 receptor antagonists</a> (H2RAs) and <a href="/facts/Proton-pump_inhibitor/JIpwabbk">proton-pump inhibitors</a> (PPIs). </p>