Heartburn is a common, burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid traveling up toward the mouth (acid reflux).
Whilst most people experience it occasionally after a heavy or spicy meal, frequent heartburn can be a symptom of GORD (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease).
Heartburn is often triggered by lifestyle factors, including:
Trigger Foods: Spicy dishes, citrus fruits, chocolate, and onions.
Drinks: Alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages.
Habits: Eating large meals, lying down immediately after eating, or smoking.
Most cases are easily managed with over-the-counter antacids or simple lifestyle adjustments. However, “persistent” symptoms should never be ignored.
If your “indigestion” starts to feel different or happens more frequently, it may indicate damage to the oesophagus or other underlying conditions. See your GP if:
1. Frequency and Severity
You experience heartburn more than twice a week, or the pain is becoming increasingly severe and difficult to manage with over-the-counter medicine.
2. Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
It feels like food is getting “stuck” in your chest or throat, or it is physically painful to swallow. This can be a sign of inflammation or a narrowing of the oesophagus.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying, combined with chronic indigestion, is a “red flag” symptom that requires an urgent medical review to rule out more serious gastrointestinal issues.
4. Persistent Vomiting or Blood
You are vomiting frequently, or you notice blood in your vomit (which may look like dark coffee grounds). This suggests internal irritation or bleeding.
5. Chest Pain That Mimics a Heart Attack
Warning: If you have chest pain or tightness that spreads to your arm, neck, or jaw, or if you feel short of breath, call emergency services (999 in the UK / 911 in the US) immediately. This may not be heartburn; it could be angina or a heart attack.
If you don’t have the “red flag” symptoms above, you can often find relief by:
Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
Raising the head of your bed by 10–20cm so your chest is higher than your waist.
Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your stomach.
Avoiding “trigger” foods within 3–4 hours of going to sleep.
1. What is the difference between Heartburn and GORD? Heartburn is the symptom, while GORD (or GERD in the US) is the condition where acid reflux happens frequently enough to cause inflammation or damage.
2. Can stress cause heartburn? Yes. While stress doesn’t create acid, it can make you more sensitive to the pain and can lead to behaviors (like overeating or smoking) that trigger reflux.
3. Are antacids safe for long-term use? Over-the-counter antacids are great for occasional relief. However, if you are using them every day for more than two weeks, you should consult a doctor to find the root cause.
4. Why is my heartburn worse at night? When you lie flat, gravity no longer helps keep stomach acid down. This allows acid to leak through the lower oesophageal sphincter more easily.
NHS: Heartburn and Acid Reflux – Comprehensive UK guide on symptoms and treatments.
Guts UK: Heartburn and GORD – Expert information from the UK’s charity for digestive diseases.
Mayo Clinic: GERD Diagnosis & Treatment – Trusted US medical perspective on chronic reflux.
Cleveland Clinic: Is it Heartburn or a Heart Attack? – A vital guide for distinguishing between the two.
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