Heartburn and stomach ache: possible causes

Heartburn commonly feels like burning behind the breastbone, sometimes with a sour taste or fluid rising into the throat. Stomach ache may be felt in the upper abdomen, around the navel, or elsewhere, and its timing can be useful. Acid reflux and gastritis can cause upper discomfort after meals. A hiatus hernia may make reflux more troublesome, while a peptic ulcer can cause a localised gnawing or burning pain. Obesity can increase pressure on the abdomen and worsen reflux, but it does not explain every abdominal symptom. A symptom combination cannot establish a diagnosis by itself.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly, and remain upright after eating. Notice whether fatty foods, spicy foods, coffee, or late meals trigger symptoms, then reduce only the triggers that clearly affect you. Avoid tight clothing around the abdomen and discuss recurring symptoms with a clinician or pharmacist before using acid reflux medication. Keep a brief record of pain location, meals, bowel changes, vomiting, and any medicines such as anti-inflammatory painkillers.

Seek emergency care for sudden severe abdominal pain, a rigid or swollen abdomen, chest pressure, trouble breathing, fainting, vomiting blood, or black stools. Arrange urgent medical advice for pain that is worsening, persistent, wakes you, or comes with repeated vomiting, fever, yellow skin, difficulty swallowing, or unintentional weight loss. Mild symptoms that recur still deserve a planned review so the cause and safe treatment can be clarified.

Where is the pain most informative diagnostically? Could my medicines irritate the stomach? Should I be checked for reflux, gastritis, a hiatus hernia, or an ulcer? Which symptoms would change this from routine review to urgent care?