• Directory
  • Search
  • All results
  • Journals
  • Definitions
Videos:
View video
2:24
Heartburn, Acid Reflux, GERD
Mayo Clinic
View video
2:38
Reducing Heartburn, Acid Reflux, GERD
Mayo Clinic
Related terms:
abdominal pain
aerophagy
anorexia
constipation
diarrhea
dyspepsia
encopresis
eructation
flatulence
Sign or Symptom
heartburn Audio
heart·burn [ hahrt-burn ]
Subclass of:
Signs and Symptoms, Digestive
Also called:
Acid indigestion; Pyrosis
Definitions related to heartburn:
  • A burning pain in the chest or throat, caused when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
    Harvard Dictionary of Health Terms
    Harvard Medical Publishing, 2011
  • Abdominal discomfort with retrosternal pain usually associated with gastroesophageal reflux.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Heartburn is a painful burning feeling in your chest or throat. It happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. If you have heartburn more than twice a week, you may have GERD. But you can have GERD without having heartburn. Pregnancy, certain foods, alcohol, and some medications can bring on heartburn. Treating heartburn is important because over time reflux can damage the esophagus. Over-the-counter medicines may help. If the heartburn continues, you may need prescription medicines or surgery. If you have other symptoms such as crushing chest pain, it could be a heart attack. Get help immediately.
    MedlinePlus
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • Substernal pain or burning sensation, usually associated with regurgitation of gastric juice into the esophagus.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or bending over.
    Mayo Clinic
    Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2025
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary > H
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.

  • About
  • Feedback
  • Guides
  • Terms
© 2026 OpenMD
The content on this site is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your doctor or health care provider.