Heartburn, also known as pyrosis, cardialgia or acid indigestion, is a burning sensation in the central chest or upper central abdomen. Heartburn is usually due to regurgitation of gastric acid (gastric reflux) into the esophagus. It is the major symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Other common descriptors for heartburn (besides burning) are belching, nausea, squeezing, stabbing, or a sensation of pressure on the chest. The pain often rises in the chest (directly behind the breastbone) and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the arm. Because the chest houses other important organs besides the esophagus (including the heart and lungs), not all symptoms related to heartburn are esophageal in nature.The cause will vary depending on ones family and medical history, genetics, if a person is pregnant or lactating, and age. As a result, the diagnosis will vary depending on the suspected organ and the inciting disease process. Work-up will vary depending on the clinical suspicion of the provider seeing the patient, but generally includes endoscopy and a trial of antacids to assess for relief.Treatment for heartburn may include medications and dietary changes. Medication include antacids. Dietary changes may require avoiding foods that are high in fats, spicy, high in artificial flavors, heavily reducing NSAID use, heavy alcohol consumption, and decreasing peppermint consumption. Lifestyle changes may help such as reducing weight. Definition
The term indigestion includes heartburn along with a number of other symptoms. Indigestion is sometimes defined as a combination of epigastric pain and heartburn.
Since an endoscopy allows a doctor to visually inspect the upper digestive tract the procedure may help identify any additional damage to the tract that may not have been detected otherwise.Biopsy: a small sample of tissue from the oesophagus is removed. It is then studied to check for inflammation, cancer, or other problems. Treatment
Treatment plans are tailored to the specific diagnosis and etiology of the heartburn. Management of heartburn can be sorted into various categories. Pharmacologic management
Antacids (i.e. calcium carbonate) are often taken to treat the immediate problem
H2 receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors are effective for the two most common causes of heartburn (e.g. gastritis and GERD)
Antibiotics are used if H. pylori is present. Behavioral management
Taking medications 30–45 minutes before eating suppresses the stomachs acid generating response to food
Avoiding spicy foods, foods high in fats, peppermint, and chocolate
Avoiding reclining 2.5–3.5 hours after a meal to prevent the reflux of stomachs contents

Lifestyle modifications
Early studies show that diets that are high in fiber may show evidence in decreasing symptoms of dyspepsia. Weight loss can decrease abdominal pressure that both delays gastric emptying and increases gastric acid reflux into the esophagus

Alternative and complementary therapies
Symptoms of heartburn may not always be the result of an organic cause. Patients may respond better to therapies targeting anxiety and symptoms of hyper-vigilance, through medications aimed towards a psychiatric etiology, osteopathic manipulation and acupuncture. Psychotherapy may show a positive role in treatment of heartburn and the reduction of distress experienced during symptoms. Acupuncture - in cases of functional heartburn (e.g.