Heartburn usually feels like a burning sensation behind the breastbone or a sour rising feeling in the throat. It often comes after a meal, when bending forward or at night.
What usually triggers it#
A large meal, eating late, fatty food, alcohol, coffee and a busy eating pattern can all make reflux more likely. Stress and rushing through meals can add to the problem.
What helps at home#
Smaller meals, slower eating and leaving a few hours between the last meal and going to bed often help. Some people also feel better when the head of the bed is slightly raised.
If you need an over-the-counter product, the right choice depends on whether you want quick relief or longer control. Follow the package directions and avoid using the same product continuously for long periods without review.
When it may not be ordinary heartburn#
If chest pain is pressure-like, happens on exertion, spreads to the arm or jaw, or comes with shortness of breath, it may be heart-related rather than heartburn. That needs urgent assessment.
When to seek care#
Seek care if the symptom keeps returning, wakes you at night, makes it hard to eat, or is linked with pain on swallowing, vomiting, blood, black stool or unexplained weight loss.
Further reading and sources#
Further reading: