Heartburn with Nausea

Heartburn with nausea and dry heaves can cause concern. The burning sensation in the region of the heart can be frightening by itself. Add nausea and dry heaves to that, and the patient begins to wonder what is happening.

Until you understand heartburn itself, it can seem life threatening. Many patients think it may be a heart attack.

Warning Signs

Heartburn itself is not dangerous, no matter how agonizing it may seem.

Heartburn with nausea and dry heaves may be less benign. The additional symptoms may be warning signs of a more serious complaint. You should seek professional advice when heartburn is accompanied by these.

Pregnancy

In pregnancy, heartburn with nausea may be of no concern. As the baby grows, it pushes against the mother’s stomach. The pressure on the stomach causes the sphincter muscle at the top of the stomach to pop open when it should be closed. The slight opening allows stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

Since nausea in pregnancy is also a common complaint, heartburn with nausea may be quite normal for the mother-to-be. She should discuss it with her physician at the next prenatal visit, but there is probably not a problem.

Influenza

Heartburn with nausea and dry heaves may occur during an episode of the flu. Since influenza attacks the digestive system, any part of it may be affected. A patient who is lying down, resting to recuperate from the flu may not digest food as easily. Heartburn with nausea is a frequent complaint for those who have the flu.

Gastritis

Heartburn with nausea and dry heaves does become a concern if there is neither pregnancy nor flu. The combination of symptoms could be a sign of gastritis.

Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach, often accompanied by heartburn with nausea, loss of appetite, and some degree of discomfort after eating. It is not an ulcer or cancer, simply an inflammation.

There are many possible causes for gastritis, ranging from an H. pylori infection to eating and/or drinking too much.

CAUTION: Heart attack symptoms may feel similar to heartburn symptoms. If you have a history of heart problems, or you have risk factors that might lead to a heart attack, ask a physician about your heartburn symptoms. They may be a warning of more serious problems.