This can cause scarring in your esophagus, which will make it difficult for you to swallow food or even liquids. Chronic heartburn can also lead to Barrett s esophagus, which is a condition where cells that resemble those of the stomach lining will start to develop. This kind of damage to the esophagus can increase your risk in developing cancer of the esophagus, which is very hard to detect and very hard to treat. When you experience heartburn, you will feel a burning sensation that starts in the upper abdomen and works its way up to the breastbone. This feeling will make you feel as if your chest is on fire. The burning sensation will travel from your diaphragm to your throat and you will taste something sour and bitter on your mouth and feel as if food is reentering your mouth. You need to keep in mind that frequent heartburn means exposing your esophagus to stomach acid for long periods of time. Your esophagus may get damaged and this may lead to difficulty in swallowing. In more serious cases, you may even lose weight and become frequently dehydrated. In rare cases, you may vomit blood or have small amounts of blood in your stool. This is why you have to try and eat smaller meals at least 6 times a day instead of eating 3 large meals a day. This will lessen your stomach s production of acid, which will help in managing heartburn. You should also try to avoid foods that weaken the sphincter. You have to keep in mind that the sphincter acts as a valve that keeps the stomach acid in the stomach. It will also help tighten the LES or lower esophageal sphincter muscle to keep stomach acid inside the stomach. Proton pump inhibitors may also be prescribed by your doctor if you continue to experience heartburn. This type of drug will prevent the stomach from secreting acid. Usually taken once a day, these drugs are usually very effective in easing heartburn symptoms. If you love spicy food and you have a problem with heartburn, it may be time for you to limit your consumption of food containing chili, peppers, and hot curries to name a few. Chocolate is another type of food you should avoid as it is a known trigger for heartburn. This is because chocolate relaxes the LES or the Lower Esophageal Sphincter.