Heartburn is the most prevalent complaint heard about the digestive system. When the hydrochloric acid from the stomach enters the esophagus - the food tube that connects the mouth with the stomach - it inflames and irritates the unprotected lining of the tube and causes heartburn.

The most common symptoms of heartburn include a burning pain starting behind the breastbone and ribs and radiating upwards the throat. The pain usually starts after a meal. One may experience a feeling of liquid coming up the throat from the stomach. A bitter or sour taste in the mouth is felt in some cases. The pain gets worse with bending down or lying down. The other symptoms include burping and a feeling of bloating. If heartburn is due to Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), sleep problems, chronic cough, asthma, hoarseness, tightness in the throat, laryngitis, wheezing, bad breath, sore throat, ear infection, sinus infection and dental erosion are the conditions that may be experienced by the patient.

It is very important to differentiate the symptoms of heartburn and heart attack. Heart attack symptoms include tightness, pressure or pain in the center of the chest. The pain spreads to the shoulders, neck and arms, mostly to the left side. The heart patients experience cold sweat, nausea and vomiting, weakness and dizziness. There is general shortness of breath. Except for pain in the chest, which is common to heartburn and heart attack, others are heart-attack specific.

Heartburn is quite serious when it accompanies abdominal pain and or bleeding. It may be indicative of peptic ulcers, gall bladder disease, a tear in the esophagus or inflammation of the stomach (gastritis). Heartburn with vomiting blood indicates bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. This causes the stools to be dark.

Various tests are done to confirm and determine the severity of heartburn related to GERD. They are upper GI endoscopy, upper GI series, esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitor.

While the symptoms of heartburn can be easily felt and detected by patients, persistent heartburn may be a symptom of more serious conditions like hiatal hernia, esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus or even esophagus cancer.