Burning in the breast/behind the breastbone with heartburn

A burning sensation in the chest or behind the breastbone is the best known symptom of reflux (reflux of stomach acid). Due to an overproduction of gastric acid and/or a reduced tension of the sphincter muscle between the esophagus and the stomach, the digestive juice reaches the esophagus. There it attacks the unprotected mucous membrane and causes small injuries, which can manifest themselves as a burning sensation. Since the esophagus is located in the thorax directly behind the sternum, the pain is usually felt in the chest area.

Pain in the esophagus

With heartburn, the esophagus is particularly affected. In contrast to the gastric mucosa, the mucous membrane of the esophagus is not sufficiently protected against the corrosive acid, resulting in the injuries described above. The injuries can also cause pain in the esophagus. In addition, they can become inflamed and thus also lead to longer lasting complaints.

Burning in the throat with heartburn

Coughing is a protective reflex of the body, which always comes into play when something unintentionally enters the windpipe. By coughing, the body tries to prevent the lungs from being damaged by the particles or fluids that accidentally enter. If stomach acid gets into the esophagus, it can rise up to the larynx and flow from there into the windpipe.

In this case, the body’s protective reflex takes effect and you have to cough. This often happens in chronic reflux (reflux of stomach acid). This causes additional irritation of the windpipe, which also leads to coughing. The sectional picture shows the leaking stomach entrance, which allows a reflux of acidic chyme the esophagus.

Oesophagus
Stomach

Hoarseness with heartburn

If stomach acid reaches the windpipe via the oesophagus and larynx, this does not only result in a cough. The digestive juice can also affect the vocal chords. The surface of the vocal cords is not protected against the strong acid and carries small lesions (injuries) from it.

These lesions can become inflamed and thus lead to temporary hoarseness. If a person suffers from chronic heartburn, stomach acid can also reach the vocal cords more frequently, causing permanent damage to them. Chronic inflammation of the vocal cords can occur, leading to permanent hoarseness.