Searing pain and a burning sensation are often common heartburn symptoms. These are caused when the stomach releases some of its gastric juices up into the esophagus. The stomach is built to take these acids. The esophagus is not. Everyone experiences a bit of heartburn symptoms on occasion. The less than luck few experience it quite often and for long periods of time. And those less than lucky ones fall into intriguing patterns. Those that live in the American South experience more frequent heartburn symptoms than those other parts of the country. Women have it more often than men. Older people experience the burn more than younger ones. Homeowners suffer more symptoms than renters. And those in middle income brackets suffer more heartburn symptoms than the wealthy and poor.

Other frequent heartburn symptoms include

• an acidic taste in the mouth,

• coughing,

• sore throats,

• fullness of the chest

• and difficulty swallowing.

All of these are caused by the esophagus reacting to the acids being pushed up. Most heartburn symptoms last a few minutes. Others may linger for a few hours. The symptoms may increase if a person bends over or lies down. In pregnant women, heartburn symptoms are often accompanied by nausea, sweating and back pain. Pregnant women can also get heartburn symptoms if they do not eat on time. The empty stomach is pressured by the size of the uterus.

Heartburn angina symptoms can be similar to heart attack symptoms. And heartburn can also be a symptom of a heart attack. Heartburn is more often described as a burning sensation from the stomach up to the mid-chest. Heart attacks are different in that it feels like a weight pressing on the chest. However, if there is even a smidgeon of doubt, do not take heartburn symptoms lightly. Seek immediate medical help if you even think it might be a heart attack. A bit of embarrassment is a small price to pay for safety. Heart attacks are often accompanied by nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, weakness, overwhelming anxiety, and pain or numbness that spreads into the jaw, shoulder, or down the arm.

Heartburn symptoms on occasion are natural. However, long term heartburn symptoms can mean trouble. Frequent exposure of the esophagus to stomach acids can lead to painful sores, bleeding and scarring. This condition is called esophagitis. In rare cases, the scarring can lead to abnormal cells growing in the esophagus. This is called Barrett’s esophagus and it can be a precursor to cancer. If you have increased pain or trouble swallowing, make a quick visit to a doctor.