Heartburn: what you can change now and when to see a doctor

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone when stomach acid flows back towards the oesophagus. Many people have it from time to time. This is general information and does not replace a doctor.

What you can change

1. Note what worsens your symptoms. Common triggers are fatty and spicy food, acidic foods such as citrus and tomatoes, coffee, chocolate, mint and alcohol.
2. Eat your evening meal at least three hours before lying down.
3. Eat smaller meals, and eat slowly.
4. Raise the head of the bed with a foam wedge or extra pillows under your head and upper back.
5. Do not smoke and avoid tight clothing around the abdomen.
6. If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about gradual weight loss.

Over the counter medicines

You can occasionally buy antacids at a pharmacy. If you need them more often, do not take them on your own for months without advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

Warning signs

Call emergency services for severe chest pain or pressure that spreads to the arm, jaw or back, with sweating or shortness of breath, because it may be a heart attack. See a doctor for difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss or symptoms that keep returning.

An example day: a light dinner of cooked vegetables and fish around six or seven in the evening, a short walk after the meal and sleeping with the head of the bed raised. Change one factor at a time to see what helps.

Keep notes for a week: what you ate, when and what symptoms you had. This makes it easier to spot your triggers and gives you something to show your doctor.

Sources: NIDDK NIDDK.