What do heartburn mean

Causes of heartburn. Spicy foods or large meals can be the root of distress. Symptoms of heartburn. Treatment of heartburn. Tags: Expert Advice.

Gut Health. Popular Categories. Popular Topics. Women's Health. Expert Advice. Patient Stories. Make an Appointment. Schedule a Callback. Call us 24 hours a day. Is this normal? If so, what can I do to feel better? Heartburn, despite its name, has nothing to do with the heart.

It's a burning feeling in the throat and chest when the stomach's contents move back up into the esophagus the tube that moves food from the throat to the stomach. Heartburn is common during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can make the valve at the entrance to the stomach relax so that it doesn't close as it should.

If medicines do not help or your symptoms are severe, a GP may refer you to a specialist for:. Page last reviewed: 09 September Next review due: 09 September Heartburn and acid reflux. 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. 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 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.

Do eat smaller, more frequent meals raise 1 end of your bed 10 to 20cm by putting something under your bed or mattress — your chest and head should be above the level of your waist, so stomach acid does not travel up towards your throat try to lose weight if you're overweight try to find ways to relax. Find a pharmacy.