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’s called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Check if you have 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

Your symptoms will probably be 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, alcohol, chocolate, and fatty or spicy foods
• being overweight
• smoking
• pregnancy
• stress and anxiety
• some medicines, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers (like ibuprofen)
• a hiatus hernia – when part of your stomach moves up into your chest

How you can ease heartburn and acid reflux yourself

Simple lifestyle changes can help stop or reduce heartburn.

A pharmacist can help with heartburn and acid reflux

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

They can recommend medicines called antacids that can help ease your symptoms.

It's best to take these with food or soon after eating, as this is when you're most likely to get heartburn. They may also work for longer if taken with food.

See a GP if:

• lifestyle changes and pharmacy medicines aren't helping
• you have heartburn most days for 3 weeks or more
• you have other symptoms, like food getting stuck in your throat, frequently being sick or losing weight for no reason

Your GP can provide stronger treatments and help rule out any more serious possible causes of your symptoms.

Treatment from a GP

To ease your symptoms, your GP may prescribe medicine that reduces how much acid your stomach makes, such as:

• omeprazole
• lansoprazole
• ranitidine

You may be prescribed one of these medicines for a month or two to see if your symptoms stop.