What should you know about heartburn over the counter?

Heartburn is a burning sensation caused when stomach contents move upwards and irritate the food pipe. Antacids can neutralise acid for short-term relief. Other products reduce acid production and may last longer, but they are not interchangeable and may not suit everyone. Heartburn can occur with acid reflux, and similar upper-abdominal discomfort can also occur with gastritis or a peptic ulcer. A hiatus hernia may contribute to reflux by changing the position of the stomach.

Read the active ingredients and follow the pack directions. Do not combine several acid-relief products without checking with a pharmacist, especially if you take regular medicines or have kidney disease. Leave a suitable gap between antacids and some other medicines because absorption can change. Smaller meals, avoiding food close to bedtime, and staying upright after eating may reduce episodes. Keep a note of triggers and how often symptoms occur. If you need frequent treatment, arrange a clinical review rather than continuing self-treatment.

Seek urgent help for chest pressure, breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back. Arrange prompt medical care for trouble swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools, repeated vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or severe pain. Make an appointment when heartburn keeps returning, wakes you at night, or does not improve with correctly used treatment.

Ask which product matches your symptoms, whether it can interact with your medicines, and how long self-treatment is reasonable. Ask whether your pattern fits acid reflux or another condition and whether you need an examination.