Heartburn and acid reflux

Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux). If it keeps happening, it may be called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Symptoms of acid reflux

The main symptoms of acid reflux are:

• heartburn – a burning sensation in the middle of your chest

• an unpleasant sour taste in your mouth, caused by stomach acid

You may also have:

• 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 and when bending over.

Causes of heartburn and acid reflux

Lots of people get heartburn from time to time. There's often no obvious reason why.

Sometimes it's caused or made worse by:

• certain food and drink – such as coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate and fatty or spicy foods

• being overweight

• smoking

• pregnancy - find out more about indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy

• stress and anxiety

• an increase in some types of hormones, such as progesterone and oestrogen

• some medicines, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers (like ibuprofen)

• a hiatus hernia – when part of your stomach moves up into your chest

• a stomach ulcer

• a bacterial infection in your stomach

How you can ease heartburn and acid reflux yourself

Simple lifestyle changes can help stop or reduce heartburn.

Do

• eat smaller, more frequent meals

• try to lose weight if you're overweight

• try to find ways to relax

Don’t

• do not have food or drink that triggers your symptoms

• do not eat within 3 or 4 hours before bed

• do not wear clothes that are tight around your waist

• do not smoke

• do not drink too much alcohol

• do not stop taking any prescribed medicine without speaking to a doctor first

You may find that using wood, bricks or books to raise the head of your bed by around 10 to 20cm, so your chest and head are above your waist, helps relieve symptoms. This can help stop stomach acid travelling up towards your throat.

But do not try to achieve the same effect by using additional pillows, as this can increase pressure on your belly and make your symptoms worse.

A pharmacist can help with heartburn and acid reflux

Speak to a pharmacist for advice if you keep getting heartburn.