Heartburn and acid reflux

What are heartburn and acid reflux?

Acid reflux happens when acid from the stomach travels back up towards the throat. This often causes heartburn — a burning feeling in the middle of the chest, sometimes with an unpleasant sour taste in the mouth. It is very common and usually nothing serious, though it can be uncomfortable.

Symptoms

As well as the burning chest feeling, you might notice:

• an unpleasant, sour taste in the mouth
• a cough or hiccups that keep coming back
• a hoarse voice
• bad breath
• bloating and feeling sick

Symptoms are often worse after eating, when lying down, or when bending over.

What causes it

Reflux happens when the valve at the top of the stomach does not close fully, letting acid escape upwards. This can be made more likely by certain foods and drinks, large meals, eating late, being overweight, smoking, stress and anxiety, or pregnancy. Some medicines can also contribute.

Treatment and self-help

Many people improve with simple changes: eat smaller meals, avoid eating within three to four hours of bed, cut down on known triggers, lose weight if you are carrying extra, raise the head of your bed slightly, and stop smoking. A pharmacist can recommend antacids or other medicines that reduce or neutralise stomach acid.

When to get it checked

Heartburn that keeps coming back or lasts three weeks or more should be reviewed by a GP, who can prescribe stronger treatment or arrange tests if needed. Always treat sudden, severe chest pain as an emergency.

Common questions

What is the difference between heartburn and acid reflux?

Acid reflux is when stomach acid travels back up towards the throat. Heartburn is the burning chest sensation that this often causes. When reflux happens regularly, it may be called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

What foods make heartburn worse?

Common triggers include fatty or spicy foods, coffee, alcohol, chocolate and large meals. Triggers vary between people, so it can help to notice which foods affect you and cut back on those.

How can I relieve heartburn at home?

Eating smaller meals, not eating within a few hours of bedtime, raising the head of your bed, cutting down on triggers, and losing weight if needed can all help. A pharmacist can also recommend antacids or other medicines.

When should I worry about heartburn?

Persistent heartburn lasting 3 weeks or more, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss or vomiting should be checked by a GP. Sudden severe chest pain needs emergency help, as it can be a sign of a heart problem.

Sources

• NHS — Heartburn and acid reflux