Quick answer
What could heartburn mean?
Heartburn is a burning discomfort in the chest caused by stomach acid rising into the oesophagus (acid reflux). Lifestyle changes and antacids usually help. See a GP if you have heartburn most days or with weight loss, and call 999 for pressure-like chest pain, as a heart attack can feel similar.
What is heartburn?
Heartburn is a burning discomfort in the chest that happens when stomach acid rises into the oesophagus (the food pipe). Occasional heartburn is common and usually nothing to worry about, but frequent or long-standing symptoms are a different matter and deserve a GP review.
Causes of heartburn
Acid reflux is the most common cause of heartburn. A hiatus hernia and pregnancy can both make reflux more likely, and obesity and smoking also contribute.
Self-care for heartburn
Eating smaller meals and raising the head of your bed can both reduce symptoms. Antacids from a pharmacy can relieve heartburn in the short term, but they are not a long-term answer for frequent symptoms.
When to see a GP about heartburn
See a GP if you get heartburn on most days, as frequent symptoms may need treatment with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and further investigation. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), unexplained weight loss and anaemia are alarm symptoms that usually need investigation with an endoscopy.
Common questions about heartburn
- How can I tell the difference between heartburn and a heart attack?
- Heartburn typically causes a burning feeling after meals, while a heart attack tends to cause pressure-like chest pain, often with sweating. If you are unsure which you are having, call 999.
- Which foods trigger heartburn?
- Fatty food, coffee, alcohol, chocolate and large meals are common heartburn triggers. Working out which ones affect you, and cutting down on them, often reduces symptoms.
- Is it safe to take antacids long-term?
- Antacids are intended for short-term relief. If you need them frequently, see a GP, who can review your symptoms, consider a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and arrange investigation if needed.
- Can acid reflux cause a cough?
- Yes, acid reflux can cause a cough. So-called silent reflux can lead to a chronic cough and repeated throat clearing without obvious heartburn, and a GP can assess whether reflux is the cause.