Definition: Heartburn is the common lay term for a symptom associated with the condition gastroesophageal reflux, known as GERD for short. GERD is common among people with asthma.
Heartburn is a painful, burning feeling in the mid-chest area, behind the breastbone. Heartburn is caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus through the LES muscle. Changing the diet and other habits can help to prevent heartburn.
Controlling heartburn is important because frequent heartburn and related symptoms can make asthma symptoms worse.
Also Known As: acid reflux, indigestion
