Resource Library

What Do You Really Know About Heartburn?

Heartburn can affect just about anyone -- old or young (or in between). An occasional bout of heartburn is nothing to worry about. Chronic heartburn, however, may be a sign of a more serious condition. Take this quiz to test your knowledge of heartburn.

1. Heartburn is a term used for pain in what organ of the body?
   A. Stomach
   B. Liver
   C. Esophagus
   D. Small intestine
   
   
2. Mild or temporary heartburn is usually caused by which of the following?
   A. Overeating acidic food
   B. Drinking too much milk with meals
   C. Taking a nap after eating a big meal
   D. A and C
   
   
3. If you have frequent episodes heartburn, it could be a symptom of a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can be caused by which of the following factors?
   A. Ulcer
   B. Weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter
   C. Excess bile
   D. B and C
   
   
4. What are some of the factors that make people more susceptible to heartburn or GERD?
   A. Pregnancy
   B. Obesity
   C. Smoking
   D. Alcoholic beverages consumed late in the evening
   E. Eating meals just before bedtime
   F. All of the above
   
   
5. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a severe, chronic form of heartburn. Which symptoms may mean you should see a doctor?
   A. Difficulty swallowing
   B. Hoarse voice
   C. Constant cough
   D. All of the above
   
   
6. Prolonged, severe inflammation of the esophagus caused by acid reflux may greatly increases your risk of which of these?
   A. Bad breath
   B. Oral cancer
   C. Esophageal cancer
   D. Stomach cancer
   
   
7. People with heartburn or GERD frequently have symptoms at what time of day?
   A. After they get out of bed in the morning
   B. Just before lunch
   C. Just before dinner
   D. At night after they have gone to bed
   
   
8. Which common baking product can be used to treat mild heartburn?
   A. Baking soda
   B. Baking powder
   C. Salt
   D. Sugar
   
   
9. Which of these beverages should you limit or avoid to reduce heartburn?
   A. Wine
   B. Coffee
   C. Milk
   D. A and B
   
   
10. See your doctor if your heartburn doesn't improve during a certain period of time. How long should you wait?
    A. 1 week
    B. 10 days
    C. 2 weeks
    D. 1 month

1. C, esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Heartburn is a condition in which acids and enzymes normally found in the stomach move from the stomach into the esophagus. The pain of heartburn is often described as a burning feeling in the chest and throat. Normally, the esophagus is protected from the backup of acid and enzymes by a circular muscle between the esophagus and the stomach. This muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, opens when a person swallows food in order to let food enter the stomach. It closes immediately after the food passes by and stays closed until more food or liquid is consumed
   
   
2. D, A and C. Lifting and bending over after eating a large or fatty meal can also cause temporary heartburn.
   
   
3. B, weakness in the lower esophageal sphincter. This weakness prevents the sphincter from closing completely and allows acids and enzymes to back up into the esophagus while the stomach churns food during digestion. Other common causes: Problems with the muscle functions of the stomach or esophagus, causing food and enzymes to be pushed in the wrong direction for proper digestion. Coughing triggered by asthma and some drug therapy used for asthma can weaken the sphincter muscle. Experts also speculate that asthma and other respiratory problems may be caused by stomach acid backing up into the throat, where it can cause irritation to the breathing passages. Some drug therapy and over-the-counter medications may play a role in GERD or cause symptoms similar to GERD. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your drug therapy and GERD.
   
   
4. F, all of the above. Alcohol increases acid output and is an irritant. Obesity and pregnancy increase pressure in the digestive system, forcing gastric content back up the esophagus. Lying down with a full stomach allows food to flow back up the esophagus.
   
   
5. D, all of the above. These symptoms indicate a chronic condition that usually needs treatment.
   
   
6. C, esophageal cancer. Chronic inflammation caused by acid may result in abnormal changes in the cells lining the esophagus. It can also cause the esophagus to narrow, as well as ulcers of the esophagus.
   
   
7. D, at night after they have gone to bed. You can help prevent nighttime symptoms by taking a walk in the evening and by avoiding snacks before bedtime. Another solution is to raise the head of your bed. Use four- to six-inch blocks under the legs at the head of your bed. Sleeping on extra pillows will not work. These actually increase the risk for reflux.
   
   
8. A, baking soda. It neutralizes stomach acid.
   
   
9. D, A and B. Coffee (caffeinated or decaffeinated) and alcohol increase the secretion of acid, and alcohol is an irritant. Other foods to avoid include chocolate, peppermint, spearmint and carbonated beverages.
   
   
10. C, 2 weeks. More severe conditions, such as peptic ulcer, esophageal cancer and heart disease, may mimic digestive disorders, so check with your doctor if pain persists.