Digestive health
Acid Reflux & Heartburn
6 min read · General education
Overview
Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux). When it happens often, it may be called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD/GERD).
Common symptoms
- Burning feeling in the chest, often after eating
- Unpleasant sour taste in the mouth
- Cough or hiccups that keep coming back
- Bloating and feeling sick
Possible causes and risk factors
- Certain foods and drinks such as coffee, alcohol, spicy or fatty foods
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Stress and anxiety
- Some medicines, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers
Prevention and healthy lifestyle
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid eating within 3–4 hours of bedtime
- Raise the head of your bed slightly
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol
- Find ways to relax and manage stress
Nutrition and exercise considerations
- Notice personal trigger foods and reduce them
- Regular physical activity supports a healthy weight
- Avoid vigorous exercise straight after a large meal
When to consult a healthcare professional
- Symptoms on most days for 3 weeks or more
- Heartburn that does not improve with lifestyle changes or pharmacy medicines
- Food getting stuck when swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
Emergency warning signs
- • Chest pain that spreads to the arm, neck, jaw or back, or with breathlessness — call emergency services, as it may be a heart attack
- • Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools
In Pakistan, call Rescue 1122 or 115 (Edhi) in an emergency.