Quick heartburn relief: what helps

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone caused by stomach contents moving upwards and irritating the food pipe. It can be linked with [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/), a [Hiatus Hernia](/conditions/hiatus-hernia/), or irritation such as [Gastritis](/conditions/gastritis/). Repeated symptoms can also occur with a peptic ulcer or other digestive problems, so the sensation alone does not identify one cause.

Stay upright and loosen tight clothing around your abdomen. Take small sips of water if swallowing is comfortable, and avoid a further large, fatty, spicy, or acidic meal until symptoms settle. Do not lie flat soon after eating. A pharmacist can advise whether an antacid or alginate is suitable and check for interactions; [Acid Reflux Medication](/treatments/medical-management/acid-reflux-medication/) may be considered when symptoms recur, rather than used repeatedly without review. Keep a note of meals, medicines, timing, and night symptoms.

Call emergency services for pressure or pain in the chest with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back. Arrange medical assessment for difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, or heartburn that keeps returning despite self-care. A clinician can consider [Peptic Ulcer](/conditions/peptic-ulcer/) and other causes.

Could my medicines or reflux be causing this? Which treatment is suitable for the frequency of my symptoms? Do I need assessment for a hiatus hernia, ulcer, or another cause?