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Over-the-counter relief for heartburn

Where Heartburn is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline
Illustration: Where Heartburn is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline

Short answer

Over-the-counter heartburn relief can ease acid-related burning, but recurrent, severe, or unusual chest symptoms should be assessed rather than repeatedly self-treated.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

What it targets
Acid-related burning behind the breastbone
Ask first
Check interactions and kidney health with a pharmacist
Urgent concern
Severe or unusual chest pain with breathlessness or faintness

What heartburn can reflect

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone caused when stomach contents irritate the food pipe. It often follows meals or appears when lying down. Acid reflux is a common explanation, while gastritis, a peptic ulcer, or a hiatus hernia can produce overlapping upper-abdominal or chest discomfort.

Antacids work locally by neutralising acid. Acid-reducing medicines act for longer but are not a substitute for checking symptoms that are new, persistent, or difficult to explain.

Using relief safely

A pharmacist can help select an antacid or acid-reducing product after checking your other medicines, pregnancy status, and kidney health. Read the label, use the stated amount, and ask about spacing from other medicines. Avoid taking several heartburn products with overlapping ingredients.

Eat smaller portions, avoid lying down soon after eating, and notice whether particular foods or drinks trigger burning. Raising the head of the bed may help night symptoms. See [Acid Reflux Medication](/treatments/medical-management/acid-reflux-medication/) for treatment discussions.

When to seek care

Call emergency services for crushing or severe chest pain, breathlessness, faintness, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm, back, jaw, or neck. Seek medical review for trouble swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools, repeated vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or heartburn that keeps returning.

Questions for your doctor

Does this sound like reflux or another condition? Which medicine is safest with my current treatment? How long should I self-treat? Would my symptoms need an examination or further tests?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

What is the quickest over-the-counter relief for heartburn?

Antacids may act quickly for short-lived symptoms, while acid-reducing products follow different timing and usage instructions.

When is heartburn not something to self-treat?

Do not rely on self-treatment for severe chest symptoms, swallowing difficulty, bleeding signs, weight loss, or repeated episodes.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.