Ways to relieve heartburn

Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the breastbone caused when stomach contents move back into the food pipe. It may bring a sour taste, belching or irritation in the throat and is often worse after meals or when lying down. Acid Reflux is a common underlying explanation, but Gastritis, a Hiatus Hernia or a Peptic Ulcer can produce overlapping upper-abdominal symptoms.

Choose smaller meals and eat slowly. Notice whether fatty foods, spicy foods, coffee, chocolate, mint or other personal triggers worsen symptoms, then reduce only the triggers that clearly affect you. Stay upright after eating and avoid bending or lying down soon afterwards. Loose clothing may reduce pressure around the waist. A clinician or pharmacist can advise whether Acid Reflux Medication is suitable and how to take it; do not repeatedly self-treat without checking persistent symptoms.

Arrange an appointment if heartburn is frequent, keeps returning, affects sleep, or does not respond to sensible changes. Seek urgent help for chest pain with breathlessness, sweating or faintness, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, food sticking, or difficulty swallowing. Unexplained weight loss or persistent vomiting also needs prompt assessment.

Could my symptoms be Acid Reflux or another condition? Which treatment is appropriate, and for how long? Do I need assessment for difficulty swallowing, bleeding or symptoms that recur despite treatment?