What should you know about over-the-counter heartburn medication?

Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the breastbone caused by stomach contents moving upward and irritating the food pipe. Acid reflux commonly presents with heartburn, while gastritis, a hiatus hernia, or a peptic ulcer can also present with upper digestive discomfort. Obesity can increase pressure that encourages reflux, but heartburn still needs an individual assessment.

Antacids neutralise acid for short-term relief. Other products reduce acid production and may take longer to work. Relief does not prove the cause is harmless, and repeated self-treatment can delay assessment of another problem.

A pharmacist can help select an antacid or acid-reducing product based on your symptoms, pregnancy status, kidney health, and medicine list. Some products interfere with absorption of other medicines, so ask about spacing doses. Follow the label, avoid taking several acid products together without advice, and do not use a product longer than directed.

Smaller meals, remaining upright after eating, and identifying personal triggers may reduce reflux. Avoid lying down soon after a meal and limit foods or drinks that clearly bring symptoms on. Keep a record of frequency, night symptoms, and swallowing problems for your clinician.

Seek emergency help for chest pressure or pain with sweating, breathlessness, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. Urgent assessment is needed for vomiting blood, black stools, severe pain, or difficulty swallowing.

Arrange a review if heartburn is frequent, wakes you, returns soon after treatment, or comes with unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, or anaemia symptoms. A clinician may consider reflux, gastritis, hiatus hernia, or peptic ulcer and choose treatment accordingly.

Ask whether your symptoms fit reflux or another condition, which medicine and duration are suitable, how to separate it from your other medicines, and which chest symptoms need emergency care.