Heartburn lasting for days: what to know

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone caused when stomach contents move upwards and irritate the food pipe. Persistent symptoms often fit acid reflux, but irritation of the stomach lining, a hiatus hernia, or a peptic ulcer can also be considered. A symptom lasting several days does not identify one cause by itself. Notice whether discomfort follows meals, worsens when lying down, or comes with a sour taste, burping, nausea, or difficulty swallowing.

Keep meals smaller, avoid lying down soon after eating, and identify foods or drinks that reliably trigger burning. Raising the upper body during sleep may reduce night symptoms. Avoid smoking and review medicines with a clinician or pharmacist if symptoms began after a new medicine. A pharmacist can explain whether an over-the-counter option is suitable; treatment choice depends on your other conditions and medicines. Keep a short record of timing, triggers, and relief so a clinician can assess the pattern.

Seek urgent medical help for chest pressure, pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder, breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or sudden severe discomfort. Arrange prompt medical review for trouble swallowing, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms that keep returning despite sensible measures. These warning signs need assessment rather than being assumed to be reflux.

Ask whether your pattern suggests acid reflux or another problem, whether any current medicine may be contributing, and how long a treatment trial should last. Ask what symptoms would require urgent help and whether testing is needed if the burning continues.