Heartburn and indigestion relief

Heartburn is burning behind the breastbone, often with sour fluid rising into the throat. Indigestion is discomfort in the upper abdomen and may include early fullness, bloating, nausea, or belching. They can occur together, but they are not identical symptoms.

Possible explanations include acid reflux, gastritis, a hiatus hernia, a peptic ulcer, gallstones, or Helicobacter pylori infection. The timing of symptoms, relation to food, and any bowel or vomiting changes help a clinician narrow the cause.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly, and stay upright after eating. Reduce foods or drinks that clearly trigger symptoms, and avoid lying down soon after a meal. Keep a short symptom diary showing timing, foods, medicines, and associated nausea or pain. A pharmacist can discuss Acid Reflux Medication, but check first if you are pregnant, have kidney disease, or take regular medicines. Do not keep self-treating symptoms that repeatedly return without arranging a review.

Seek urgent care for chest pressure, breathing difficulty, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, sudden severe abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing. Arrange a prompt appointment for persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss, yellowing of the skin, anaemia symptoms, or indigestion that is new and continuing. These features need assessment rather than repeated use of home remedies.

Are my symptoms more consistent with reflux, indigestion, or another condition? Should I be tested for Helicobacter pylori? Which medicines are appropriate with my current prescriptions? How long should I try lifestyle measures before review?