Why do I experience heartburn at night but feel fine during the day?
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Heartburn at night and normal during the day may result from excessive intake of irritating, hard-to-digest, or gas-producing foods. It could also be caused by excessive mental stress and prolonged states of tension or anxiety, which increase gastric acid secretion. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause these symptoms. Typically, peristaltic function of the esophagus declines, and the lower esophageal sphincter becomes relaxed, leading to impaired gastric emptying.
Burning sensation at night with normal condition during the day may be caused by improper diet or psychological factors, or could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease.
1. Improper Diet
Burning sensation at night despite normal daytime condition can result from consuming excessive amounts of irritating foods in the evening, such as overly acidic, spicy, or sweet foods, or foods that are difficult to digest or prone to producing gas. Drinking coffee, strong tea, or白酒 (baijiu, a type of Chinese liquor) may also contribute. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
2. Psychological Factors
Excessive mental stress or prolonged states of tension and anxiety may increase gastric acid secretion, leading to the aforementioned symptoms. Additional symptoms may include headache, nausea, palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and insomnia.
3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
The above phenomena can also be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease. Typically, esophageal motility is reduced and the lower esophageal sphincter becomes relaxed, obstructing gastric emptying. This leads to food accumulation in the stomach, increased gastric acid secretion, and bile reflux.
