Help with heartburn

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone caused when stomach contents move upwards into the food pipe. It may occur after a large meal, when bending over, or when lying down. Repeated symptoms can occur with acid reflux; a hiatus hernia can also make reflux easier. Heartburn itself does not identify one specific condition, and indigestion, gastritis or a peptic ulcer may need separate assessment.

Try eating smaller portions and allow time between eating and lying down. Notice whether spicy or fatty foods, coffee, chocolate, alcohol or smoking trigger symptoms, then reduce the items that affect you. Raise the upper part of your sleeping surface if night symptoms are frequent, and avoid tight clothing around the abdomen. A pharmacist or clinician can explain whether acid reflux medication is suitable, especially if you take other medicines or have ongoing symptoms.

Seek urgent help for chest pressure, severe or spreading pain, breathlessness, fainting, sweating, or pain with exertion. Arrange medical advice if swallowing becomes difficult, food sticks, you vomit repeatedly, notice blood or black stools, lose weight without trying, or symptoms keep returning despite self-care. A clinician can distinguish reflux from other causes and choose an appropriate plan.

Ask what may be causing your pattern, whether a medicine could be contributing, how long to try a treatment, and which symptoms should prompt a review. Bring a short record of meals, timing, night symptoms and any medicines you use.