How to soothe heartburn

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone caused when stomach contents move upwards and irritate the food pipe. It may leave a sour taste, a feeling of fluid coming into the throat, or discomfort that is worse after meals or when lying down. Heartburn can occur with acid reflux, but repeated symptoms deserve assessment because several digestive conditions can cause similar discomfort.

Notice when symptoms start and what preceded them. Common personal triggers include large or fatty meals, spicy foods, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, mint, and lying down soon after eating; triggers vary from person to person. Tight clothing around the abdomen and smoking may also aggravate reflux for some people.

Eat slowly and try smaller portions. Remain upright after meals and avoid bending or exercising vigorously straight after eating. If symptoms disturb sleep, raise the upper part of the bed rather than relying only on extra pillows, which can increase pressure on the abdomen. Keep a simple food and symptom record so you can identify patterns without unnecessarily avoiding many foods.

A pharmacist can explain whether an antacid, an alginate, or another acid-reducing medicine is appropriate for occasional symptoms. Follow the label, check for interactions with your regular medicines, and seek advice if you need frequent doses or symptoms keep returning. Medical management of acid reflux may be considered when lifestyle measures are not enough.

Get urgent medical help for chest pressure or pain that is severe, new, spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or neck, or accompanied by breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or nausea. Do not assume these symptoms are heartburn.

Arrange a medical review if heartburn is frequent, worsening, wakes you repeatedly, or does not improve with appropriate self-care. Prompt assessment is also needed for trouble or pain with swallowing, food sticking, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss, or persistent loss of appetite. These signs can indicate a problem that needs examination rather than simple symptom relief.

Ask: Could another digestive condition explain my symptoms? Which medicines are safe with my current treatment? How long should I try self-care before booking a review? Should I be assessed for reflux or a hiatus hernia? Bring a list of medicines and a note of meal timing, nighttime symptoms, and any swallowing change.