What should you know about keep burping and heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone caused by irritation from stomach contents moving into the oesophagus. Reflux can also bring air upwards, producing repeated burping. Gastritis, a peptic ulcer or hiatus hernia may present with upper abdominal discomfort, nausea or burning; obesity can increase pressure on the abdomen and contribute to reflux symptoms. These conditions are possibilities, not conclusions from symptoms alone.

Eat slowly and avoid large meals, fizzy drinks and lying down soon after eating. Notice whether spicy or fatty meals, caffeine, alcohol or smoking make symptoms worse. Raising the head of the bed may reduce symptoms that occur at night. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether acid reflux medication is appropriate and how long to try it.

Arrange a GP review if symptoms happen often, continue despite self-care, or come with trouble swallowing, repeated vomiting, persistent stomach pain, unexplained weight loss or black stools. Get urgent help for chest pressure or pain with sweating, breathlessness, faintness or pain spreading to the arm, back or jaw.

Ask whether reflux explains both symptoms, whether another condition needs checking, whether a medicine or test is suitable, and which chest or digestive warning signs require urgent attention.