The esophagus is the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. Heartburn is very common. About one third of adults report occasional symptoms and 10 percent report daily symptoms.
Occasional attacks pose little threat.
The pain can be intense and alarming. Heartburn sends some people to the emergency room thinking they are having a heart attack. A weakness in the valve between the esophagus and stomach allows reflux, or backing up, of strong stomach acids. This most often occurs 30 to 60 minutes after a meal or when the person lies down. There may be spitting up of some stomach contents into the mouth.