What it means
A common symptom that happens when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. It has nothing to do with the heart, despite its name. It is often worse after large or fatty meals, when lying down or bending over, and in pregnancy. Frequent heartburn can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux diseasegas-troh-ih-sof-uh-JEE-ul REE-fluks dih-ZEEZA long-term condition in which stomach contents, including acid, flow back up into the esophagus.gastr/o stomachesophag/o esophagus-al relating toFull entry . The medical word is pyrosis.
For the nurse
Teach smaller meals, not lying down for 2 to 3 hours after eating, raising the head of the bed, losing weight if needed and limiting alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and fatty or spicy foods. Chest pain should never be assumed to be heartburn without checking.
At a glance
| Everyday words | heartburn, acid indigestion |
|---|---|
| Spanish | acidez estomacal |
| Also written | pyrosis |
Related terms
esophagus
The muscular tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach.
gastroesophageal reflux disease
A long-term condition in which stomach contents, including acid, flow back up into the esophagus.
chest pain
Pain or discomfort felt anywhere in the chest.
regurgitation
A flowing backward: blood leaking back through a heart valve, or stomach contents coming back up into the mouth.