Immediate heartburn relief

Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the breastbone caused when stomach contents move upwards and irritate the food pipe. It may follow a large meal, bending, or lying down. Recurrent symptoms can occur with acid reflux, gastritis, a hiatus hernia, or other digestive conditions; the sensation alone does not establish which condition is present.

Remain upright and eat slowly when you next have food. Choose smaller meals, identify personal triggers such as spicy or fatty foods, and avoid eating close to bedtime. Raise the head end of the bed if night symptoms recur, rather than relying only on extra pillows. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether Acid Reflux Medication is suitable, especially if you take other medicines. Repeated episodes, swallowing difficulty, or symptoms affecting sleep deserve a review of the cause and treatment.

Call emergency services for chest pressure or pain that is severe, new, spreading to the arm, back, jaw, or neck, or accompanied by sweating, breathlessness, faintness, or nausea. Arrange prompt medical assessment for vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, or food sticking when you swallow. These features should not be assumed to be ordinary heartburn.

Ask what triggers are most relevant to you, whether a medicine could be causing symptoms, and whether recurring heartburn needs testing. Mention night symptoms, swallowing changes, chest pain, or medicines already tried.