Heartburn symptoms

The discomfort may rise from the upper abdomen into the chest or throat and may leave a sour or bitter taste. Bending, a large meal, or reclining can make it more noticeable. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, but chest discomfort can have other causes. Gastritis, a hiatus hernia and a peptic ulcer can also produce upper digestive symptoms, so a pattern alone cannot identify the cause.

Record when the burning starts, what you ate, your position, and any other symptoms. Eat smaller portions, avoid lying down soon after meals, and identify foods or drinks that reliably trigger discomfort. Looser clothing around the waist may feel more comfortable. A pharmacist or doctor can advise whether an antacid or acid-reducing medicine is appropriate, especially if you take other medicines or have another condition.

Arrange a medical review if heartburn keeps returning, affects sleep, causes repeated vomiting, or makes swallowing painful or difficult. Get emergency help for chest pressure or pain with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back. Vomiting blood or passing black stools also requires urgent assessment.

Ask what pattern suggests reflux, whether you need testing, which medicines fit your health history, and how long to try self-care before arranging a review.