Symptoms of Heartburn and Reflux

HEARTBURN
Most people suffer from heartburn at one time or another.  Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart – it is a problem with the digestive tract.  A burning discomfort or pain is felt behind the breastbone, rising up from the stomach and occasionally moving up into the throat.

Heartburn is a common symptom that can be related to many factors and on the whole is easily diagnosed and treated.

REFLUX
Reflux occurs when the valve/muscle that joins the stomach and the oesophagus becomes weak, allowing the stomach contents to rise up into the oesophagus.

The pain or discomfort could also be due to a stomach or duodenal ulcer which requires further management or treatment.

There can be many causes for this type of discomfort or pain.
It is essential that patients exclude other possible causes as soon as possible.