Heartburn is a common sensation characterized by a burning discomfort felt in the chest, often behind the breastbone. This feeling typically arises when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. Many experience heartburn occasionally. During a pandemic, unusual sensations can raise concerns about a connection to the prevailing health situation. This article aims to clarify whether heartburn is considered a symptom of a COVID-19 infection.
Heartburn and COVID-19
Heartburn is not a primary or common symptom of acute COVID-19. Official health organizations list respiratory issues like cough, shortness of breath, and fever, along with fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and loss of taste or smell, as typical indicators. While some COVID-19 patients report gastrointestinal issues, these commonly include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Studies indicate gastrointestinal symptoms can occur in up to 50% of COVID-19 patients. Heartburn is less frequently reported as a direct manifestation during acute infection compared to other digestive complaints. Recent research suggests a link between COVID-19 infection and the later development or worsening of GERD and heartburn, especially in “long COVID.” For instance, analyses found individuals who had COVID-19 were more likely to develop GI disorders, including GERD and ulcers, in the year following infection, with one study noting a 35% heightened risk of acid reflux disease. This suggests that while not an immediate sign, COVID-19 may contribute to digestive issues for some in the aftermath of illness.
Typical Causes of Heartburn
Heartburn commonly results from acid reflux, where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus—relaxes or weakens, allowing stomach acid to flow upward. This can happen due to various dietary and lifestyle factors. Consuming certain foods and drinks, such as spicy or fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol, often triggers heartburn by either increasing stomach acid production or relaxing the LES.
Lifestyle habits play a significant role in heartburn. Eating large meals, especially close to bedtime, can put pressure on the stomach and contribute to reflux. Lying down too soon after eating can worsen symptoms, as gravity no longer helps keep stomach contents in place. Factors like smoking, obesity, pregnancy, and stress can increase heartburn likelihood.
Certain medications can induce heartburn by irritating the esophageal lining or affecting the LES. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, some antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and certain osteoporosis drugs. Conditions like a hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach pushes into the chest, can weaken the LES and lead to frequent heartburn.
Seeking Medical Guidance
While occasional heartburn is common and often manageable with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter remedies, certain symptoms warrant medical evaluation. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if heartburn occurs more than twice a week, becomes severe, or persists despite the use of nonprescription medications. These instances could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a more chronic condition that may require specific treatment to prevent complications.
Medical attention is important if heartburn is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These include difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent nausea or vomiting, or a chronic cough. Chest pain, especially with shortness of breath, pain radiating to the arm or jaw, or sweating, requires immediate emergency medical attention to rule out a heart attack, as these symptoms can overlap with heartburn. A healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the cause of heartburn and recommend an appropriate course of action.