First aid for heat

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone caused when stomach contents move up into the food pipe. Heat, dehydration, large meals, bending or lying down soon after eating may make discomfort feel worse. Acid Reflux, a hiatus hernia, gastritis and peptic ulcer can cause upper abdominal or chest discomfort, so the pattern and accompanying symptoms matter.

Stop activity and rest somewhere cool. Stay upright rather than lying flat, loosen restrictive clothing and take small sips of water. Avoid a heavy meal, alcohol and strenuous movement until symptoms settle. Do not use another person’s medicine. If a clinician has recommended an antacid or acid reflux medicine for you, follow that label or plan; treatment choice depends on your symptoms and other medicines. Avoid lying down soon after eating and note which foods or situations bring symptoms on.

Call emergency services for crushing or severe chest pain, pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back, sweating, fainting, severe breathlessness or sudden weakness. Seek prompt medical advice for vomiting blood, black stools, repeated vomiting, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss or pain that keeps returning. Recurrent symptoms may need assessment for Acid Reflux or another condition rather than repeated self-treatment.

Explain when the burning starts, its relation to meals and heat, whether it reaches the throat, and which medicines or foods affect it. Ask whether you need an examination, tests or a treatment plan such as Acid Reflux Medication.