What Is The Cause Of Heartburn

Q.Does smoking cigarettes cause heartburn? I was wondering if anyone suffers from heartburn caused by smoking. I don't smoke, but my dad does. He complains of heartburn, but he avoids spicey foods. That's why I was wondering if it caused heartburn. I have tried to get him to quit numerous times, but he's set in his ways.

A.My father had the same problem. He had ulcers, though, and the smoking just exacerbated the stress that he was already under, thus producing more stomach acid. I never had heartburn as a result of smoking, and until last week, I was a smoker for 16 years. I had noticed heartburn now that I had quit, though. I think that it's just a temporary side effect to the nicotine withdrawal, though. Smoking does make your heart beat faster, and will make you produce more stomach acid as a result. It normally will not cause any problems unless there is already a pre-existing medical condition (like peptic ulcers or a hiatal hernia). He needs to quit smoking regardless, however, before you press him to quit, press him to go to a doctor specializing in internal medicine and get him to have an upper GI series done to point out any ulcers or complications that he may have in his gastrointestinal tract.

Other Questions :

What Food Causes Heartburn

All of a sudden I have horrible chest pains after eating chunky peanut butter. This has happened twice or three times; I think I get the message that I shouldn't eat it. It feels like severe heartburn, but I don't see anything on the Web listing pean...

Vinegar For Heartburn

Natural heartburn remedy? I have heard about using baking soda, or vinegar..what are the dosages for those...and are they safe?? I have already tried...prescriptions, Tums, Rolaids, Milk, elevating the head of the bed, diet and exercise so can an...

Herbal Remedy For Heartburn

Does anyone have a natural remedy for acid reflux disease? I ask this simply due to the fact that I don't have the money for prilosec-otc or other otc's. My first doctor appointment (I just moved to area) is at the end of the week. Even if my doctor...

Infant Acid Reflux Disease

My one and a half month old niece has acid reflux disease and my sisterinlaw is at wits end.? my 1 and a half month old niece has acid reflux disease,my sister in law is at wits end shes worried sick ,this her first baby.we are all concerned about t...

What Does Heartburn Feel Like

i feel really dumb right about now...lol....but never had heartburn..so i dont know what it feels like BUT since i've been pregnant i have had something that I THINK might be HB...it ALWAYS feels like theres something down my throat...its like my...