what causes heartburn

Heartburn is a burning pain in the chest, caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. The most common causes of heartburn include certain foods and drinks such as spicy foods, citrus products, fatty or fried foods, and alcohol. Other triggers can be being overweight, pregnancy, smoking, and some medications. When the lower esophageal sphincter doesn't tighten properly or becomes weakened, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing the burning sensation. Occasional heartburn is common and can be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications, but if it occurs frequently, it may be a symptom of a more serious condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that requires medical care