What should you know about getting heartburn after every meal?

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone caused when stomach contents move upwards into the oesophagus. Large meals, lying down soon after eating, fatty or spicy foods, alcohol and smoking may aggravate it. Acid Reflux is a common explanation, while Gastritis, a Hiatus Hernia, Obesity or a Peptic Ulcer may also be considered depending on your other symptoms. Frequent symptoms can irritate the oesophagus, so the pattern and duration matter more than a single episode.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly and remain upright after eating. Keep a brief food and symptom diary to identify personal triggers rather than removing many foods at once. Avoid eating close to bedtime, and ask a pharmacist or clinician whether Acid Reflux Medication is suitable for you. Review regular medicines with a professional because some can worsen reflux. Arrange an appointment when symptoms follow every meal, return after treatment or affect sleep and eating.

Get emergency help for chest pressure or pain with sweating, faintness, breathlessness or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. Seek prompt medical care for vomiting blood, black stools, repeated vomiting, unexplained weight loss, painful swallowing or food sticking. A clinician should assess ongoing heartburn that is becoming more frequent or is not responding to recommended treatment.

Ask: Could this be reflux or another digestive problem? Which medicines are appropriate and for how long? Do swallowing symptoms or night-time episodes mean I need further tests?