What should you know about continuous heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone, often caused when stomach contents move upwards into the food pipe. Acid reflux may be associated with a hiatus hernia, gastritis, peptic ulcer, or excess abdominal pressure related to obesity. Burning can overlap with heart or lung symptoms, so its location and pattern matter. Sour fluid, a bitter taste, belching, or symptoms after meals can support reflux, but they do not prove the cause.

Keep meals smaller, avoid lying down soon after eating, and identify foods or drinks that reliably worsen symptoms. Limit late-night meals, alcohol, smoking, and tight clothing around the waist. Raising the head of the bed may help night symptoms. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether an acid reflux medication is suitable and how long to use it. Arrange a review if symptoms recur, need frequent medicine, or interfere with sleep or eating.

Call emergency services for chest pressure, pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder, sweating, faintness, or shortness of breath. Seek prompt medical care for difficulty swallowing, food sticking, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss, or severe persistent pain.

Ask whether your symptoms fit acid reflux, whether a hiatus hernia or stomach inflammation needs checking, and which medicines could irritate the stomach. Mention swallowing changes, night waking, vomiting, bowel changes, and every medicine or supplement you use.