Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone, usually after meals and worse on lying down. It is caused by stomach acid rising into the food pipe. Occasional heartburn is normal. Frequent heartburn (more than twice a week) is called GERD and is covered on its own page.

When heartburn is NOT heartburn — dial 112

Heart attacks can feel like severe heartburn, especially in Indians, women, and people with diabetes. Warning signs that it might be a heart attack, not heartburn: chest pressure or squeezing (not just burning), pain going to the arm, jaw, neck or back, sweating, nausea, breathlessness, pain that isn't related to a meal, pain that doesn't ease with antacids. If in doubt, dial 112.

Common heartburn triggers

• Heavy, oily, very spicy, or sour meals.
• Eating late at night; lying down soon after eating.
• Chocolate, mint, coffee, alcohol, fizzy drinks, citrus, tomato.
• Overeating, being overweight, pregnancy.
• Tight clothing around the waist.
• Smoking.
• Some medicines (certain BP tablets, painkillers, asthma inhalers).

Self-care that usually works

• Smaller, earlier dinners; don't lie down for 2-3 hours after eating.
• Raise the head of the bed by 10-15 cm.
• Weight loss if overweight.
• Identify and cut your personal triggers.
• Simple antacids for occasional symptoms.
• If symptoms are frequent or severe — see a Health Expert.