What Is the Medical Term for Heartburn?
The medical term for heartburn is pyrosis. It describes a burning sensation behind the breastbone caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. This process is more formally known as gastroesophageal reflux, and when it happens repeatedly, it may point to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
More from this site
Keep reading the latest coverage
Pyrosis is not a disease on its own but a symptom. The burning feeling results from acid irritating the lining of the esophagus, which lacks the protective coating the stomach has. People often mistake it for a heart problem, though it is entirely digestive in origin.
What Causes the Acid Reflux Behind Heartburn
A ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) sits at the bottom of the esophagus. When the LES weakens or relaxes at the wrong time, stomach acid can flow backward. Common triggers include large meals, lying down soon after eating, fatty or spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. Obesity and pregnancy also increase abdominal pressure, which can promote reflux.
How Doctors Diagnose Pyrosis and GERD
Most cases are diagnosed based on symptoms alone. If heartburn occurs more than twice a week or does not respond to over-the-counter treatment, a doctor may order further tests. Common options include upper endoscopy, ambulatory acid probe tests, and esophageal motility testing. These help rule out complications such as Barrett's esophagus or strictures.
Treatment and When to Seek Help
Lifestyle changes often help first. Avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, staying upright after eating, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce episodes. Antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors are common over-the-counter and prescription options. Surgery, such as fundoplication, is reserved for severe cases that do not improve with medication. Anyone experiencing chest pain alongside heartburn should seek immediate medical care to rule out cardiac causes.