What is the medical term for heartburn?

• A. Gastritis
• B. Pyrosis
• C. Dyspepsia
• D. Esophagitis

Answer: (B)

The medical term for heartburn is pyrosis. This term specifically describes the sensation of burning discomfort in the chest or throat that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, a condition commonly associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Pyrosis is often characterized by a feeling of warmth or pain behind the breastbone, which can be triggered by certain foods, lying down, or other factors that relax the lower esophageal sphincter.

Gastritis refers to inflammation of the stomach lining and is not synonymous with heartburn, which originates from issues related to the esophagus. Dyspepsia is a general term for indigestion that can include various symptoms such as discomfort in the upper abdomen, but it does not specifically refer to the burning sensation of heartburn. Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus and can sometimes be a result of chronic heartburn, but it is also not the term used to describe the burning sensation itself. Thus, pyrosis is the accurate label for heartburn within medical terminology.