What causes heartburn the day after drinking alcohol?
Burning sensation in the chest the day after drinking alcohol may be caused by alcohol irritation, reflux esophagitis, or chronic gastritis.
1. Alcohol irritation
Alcohol is inherently irritating and can stimulate the gastric mucosa, leading to increased secretion of stomach acid, which in turn causes heartburn. Therefore, experiencing heartburn the following day may result from this irritation.
2. Reflux esophagitis
Long-term alcohol consumption can continuously irritate the gastric mucosa, potentially causing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. This may lead to reflux esophagitis and result in heartburn symptoms.
3. Chronic gastritis
Patients with chronic gastritis already have inflammation in the stomach. Alcohol consumption can exacerbate this inflammatory condition, triggering heartburn symptoms.
If heartburn occurs after drinking, it is recommended to eat light and easily digestible foods. If symptoms persist or fail to improve over time, prompt medical consultation is advised for appropriate diagnosis and treatment under a doctor's guidance. During treatment, alcohol should be avoided to prevent worsening of symptoms.