Ways to help heartburn

Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the breastbone caused by stomach contents moving into the oesophagus. Acid reflux is a common cause, but gastritis, a peptic ulcer or a hiatus hernia can produce overlapping upper-abdominal or chest symptoms. Heartburn can also be more noticeable after a large meal or when lying down, so timing and associated symptoms help guide assessment.

Eat smaller portions, slow down, and keep a note of foods or drinks that reliably trigger burning. Avoid lying down soon after eating and consider raising the upper end of the bed for night symptoms. Avoid smoking and ask a pharmacist about an appropriate antacid or acid-reflux medicine, especially if you take other medicines or have a long-term condition. Do not keep treating frequent symptoms without review; repeated heartburn may need a diagnosis and a planned course of treatment.

Get urgent help for chest tightness with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, nausea or pain spreading to the arm, back or jaw. Seek prompt medical assessment for difficulty swallowing, food sticking, persistent vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools or unexplained weight loss. Arrange a routine appointment when heartburn is frequent, worsening, or returning after medicine wears off.

Ask whether the pattern fits acid reflux or another cause, whether you need testing, and which treatment is suitable for the length of time needed. Mention night symptoms, swallowing changes, abdominal pain, all medicines and any history of ulcers or hiatus hernia.