What should you know about chronic heartburn and indigestion?

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone caused by stomach contents moving upwards. Indigestion can include upper abdominal discomfort, early fullness, bloating, or nausea. Acid reflux, gastritis, a hiatus hernia, peptic ulcer, gallstones, or Helicobacter pylori infection can produce overlapping symptoms. The pattern, timing, medicines, and associated symptoms help a clinician decide what to check.

Notice whether symptoms follow large meals, lying down, alcohol, smoking, or particular foods. Eat more slowly, remain upright after eating, and avoid meals close to bedtime if that reduces symptoms. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether acid reflux medication is suitable and how long to use it. Do not rely on repeated self-treatment without arranging a review.

Book an appointment for persistent, recurrent, or changing symptoms, especially with difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, unexplained weight loss, black stools, or anaemia symptoms. Seek emergency help for severe chest pressure, sweating, faintness, or breathlessness, because heart problems can feel like indigestion.

Tell your clinician when symptoms occur, what they feel like, and every medicine or supplement you use. Ask whether testing for reflux, ulcer disease, gastritis, or Helicobacter pylori is appropriate, and what treatment duration and review plan you need.