Heartburn and acid reflux
In short: heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid coming back up. Lifestyle changes and pharmacy remedies often help. See a doctor if it happens often, or if you have trouble swallowing or weight loss. Chest pain can be a heart attack: if in doubt, call for help.
What it is
Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe (oesophagus). It can cause heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth, burping, bloating or a cough. Frequent reflux, more than twice a week, may be gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Common triggers
- Large or fatty meals, or eating late at night
- Spicy food, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, fizzy drinks or citrus (triggers vary between people)
- Smoking
- Being overweight, or pregnant
- Lying down soon after eating
- Some medicines (don't stop a prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor)
Things that help
- Eat smaller meals, and finish eating 2 to 3 hours before bed.
- Raise the head of your bed slightly, or sleep on your left side.
- Notice and cut back on your own trigger foods.
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol.
- Wear looser clothing around your waist.
- Pharmacy remedies can ease symptoms. Follow the packet instructions and ask a pharmacist which suits you.
When to see a doctor
- Heartburn on most days, or for more than a couple of weeks despite pharmacy remedies
- Difficulty or pain swallowing, or food getting stuck
- Losing weight without trying
- Vomiting, or vomiting blood
- Black or tarry stools
- You're over 55 with new symptoms
Is it heartburn or a heart attack?
Heartburn and a heart attack can feel similar. Call 911 or your local emergency number if chest pain spreads to your arm, neck, jaw or back, or comes with shortness of breath, sweating, feeling sick or light-headed.
Sources
- NIDDK (NIH): Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults
- MedlinePlus: Heartburn
- MedlinePlus: GERD