What should you know about heart burn and bloating?

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone when stomach contents move upwards. Bloating is a feeling of fullness or swelling that may come from gas, slower digestion, constipation, or sensitivity to particular foods. Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Food Intolerance can cause bloating with abdominal discomfort or altered bowel habits. Coeliac Disease, Lactose Intolerance, Giardiasis, or Helicobacter Pylori Infection may also be considered when symptoms persist or occur with diarrhoea, weight loss, or upper-abdominal discomfort.

Keep a brief food and symptom diary, eat slowly, and try smaller meals. Avoid lying down soon after eating, reduce fizzy drinks if they worsen gas, and notice whether spicy, fatty, acidic, or late meals trigger burning. Regular movement and adequate fluid can support bowel function. Do not remove major food groups for a long period without professional guidance; Nutrition Counselling can help identify a balanced approach.

Seek urgent help for severe or sudden abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, difficulty swallowing, chest pressure, fainting, or a swollen abdomen with inability to pass stool or gas. Arrange a clinician review for persistent symptoms, unintentional weight loss, anaemia symptoms, recurrent diarrhoea, or a clear change in bowel habits.

Ask whether your pattern suggests reflux, constipation, Food Intolerance, or another digestive condition. Discuss medicines that may irritate the stomach, whether testing is appropriate, and how to keep meals nutritionally complete while tracking triggers.