What Does Heartburn Feel Like?
If you've never had heartburn before, you won't have a clue what's happening to you if and when the first bout strikes you. While it feels just like it sounds, it can be confused with other maladies. Therefore, it's a good idea for everyone to know what symptoms they're looking for that will tell them their problem is heartburn. You also need to learn how to differentiate between heartburn and heart attack, because both can have similar symptoms, yet one is much more serious than the other. So what exactly does heartburn feel like?
While it isn't the same for every individual, there are some general heartburn characteristics to look for:
* A burning in the chest behind the breastbone or just below the ribs.
* Occurs shortly after eating.
* Chest pain following bending, eating, or sleeping.
* Problems swallowing.
* A feeling like food is sticking in your throat.
* Burning in the throat.
* A hot, sour, acidic or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat.
* Chronic sore throat, cough, or hoarseness.
If you aren't familiar with these symptoms and heartburn in general, it's a good idea to pay a visit to your doctor. It shouldn't be much of a problem for him to diagnose what's ailing you. However, it is possible that he will do some tests trying to determine the severity of your condition. Sometimes tests are necessary so that he will be able to monitor the treatment plan he gives you. In addition, testing can indicate more serious health issues that could be the underlying cause.
It can be difficult to tell a bout of heartburn from a heart attack. Some of the symptoms to look for in order to help you decide that you might be having a heart attack include:
* Sudden chest pain or pressure that gets worse.
* Lightheadedness.
* Cold Sweat.
* Dizziness.
* Shortness of breath.
* Pain spreading to shoulders, neck, jaw, or arms.
If you are experiencing symptoms like these, it's important that you get to a doctor as soon as possible. It still could be that you're only having an attack of heartburn, but you need to make sure. It's better to make an unnecessary trip to the doctor than it is to suffer at home until it's too late. You can always try taking some antacids. If the pain subsides after you take them, then it's a pretty sure bet that you have heartburn.
While it isn't the same for every individual, there are some general heartburn characteristics to look for:
* A burning in the chest behind the breastbone or just below the ribs.
* Occurs shortly after eating.
* Chest pain following bending, eating, or sleeping.
* Problems swallowing.
* A feeling like food is sticking in your throat.
* Burning in the throat.
* A hot, sour, acidic or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat.
* Chronic sore throat, cough, or hoarseness.
If you aren't familiar with these symptoms and heartburn in general, it's a good idea to pay a visit to your doctor. It shouldn't be much of a problem for him to diagnose what's ailing you. However, it is possible that he will do some tests trying to determine the severity of your condition. Sometimes tests are necessary so that he will be able to monitor the treatment plan he gives you. In addition, testing can indicate more serious health issues that could be the underlying cause.
It can be difficult to tell a bout of heartburn from a heart attack. Some of the symptoms to look for in order to help you decide that you might be having a heart attack include:
* Sudden chest pain or pressure that gets worse.
* Lightheadedness.
* Cold Sweat.
* Dizziness.
* Shortness of breath.
* Pain spreading to shoulders, neck, jaw, or arms.
If you are experiencing symptoms like these, it's important that you get to a doctor as soon as possible. It still could be that you're only having an attack of heartburn, but you need to make sure. It's better to make an unnecessary trip to the doctor than it is to suffer at home until it's too late. You can always try taking some antacids. If the pain subsides after you take them, then it's a pretty sure bet that you have heartburn.
