Daily heartburn medication: what to know

Heartburn is a burning discomfort caused when stomach contents move upwards and irritate the food pipe. Acid reflux is a common explanation, but gastritis, a hiatus hernia, a peptic ulcer and other problems can produce upper-abdominal or chest symptoms. Obesity can also increase pressure that encourages reflux, although symptoms have more than one possible cause.

Different medicines work in different ways and at different speeds. Some neutralise acid, while others reduce acid production for longer. Taking a product more often, combining products or stopping a prescribed course without advice may be unhelpful. The right choice depends on symptoms, other medicines, pregnancy, age and medical history.

Follow the label or prescription directions and check with a pharmacist before adding an over-the-counter product. Notice whether meals, late eating, alcohol, spicy foods, large portions or lying down worsen symptoms. Smaller meals, remaining upright after eating and raising the head of the bed may help some people.

Book a review if you need medicine most days, symptoms return when you stop, or treatment is not controlling them. Bring the product name, dose, timing and a list of other medicines. A clinician can decide whether testing, a change in treatment or a different explanation should be considered.

Seek emergency care for severe or unfamiliar chest pain, especially with sweating, breathlessness, faintness or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. Arrange prompt medical assessment for difficulty swallowing, food sticking, vomiting blood, black stools, repeated vomiting, unexplained weight loss or persistent symptoms despite treatment.

Do not assume every burning chest sensation is reflux. Describe exactly where the discomfort is, what brings it on and whether exertion affects it. Urgent symptoms should not be delayed while trying another dose.

Ask how long to use the medicine, when to take it in relation to meals, which interactions matter and how to reduce it safely if appropriate. Ask whether your symptoms suggest reflux, gastritis, a hiatus hernia or another cause, and which warning signs require urgent help.