This information is general only and does not replace advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
1. What is heartburn?
Heartburn is a burning, uncomfortable sensation in the chest or upper stomach. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, which is not designed to handle acid, causing irritation. Occasional heartburn is common, but frequent episodes may indicate a condition such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD/GORD).
2. Why do I get heartburn after eating?
After eating, your stomach becomes full and produces acid to digest food. If the muscle valve between the oesophagus and stomach relaxes or weakens, acid can move upwards. Eating large meals, eating too quickly, lying down soon after eating, or consuming trigger foods can all make heartburn more likely after meals.
3. Which foods commonly cause heartburn?
Common food triggers include spicy or fried foods, onions, garlic, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, carbonated drinks, peppermint, and alcohol. These foods may relax the lower oesophageal sphincter or increase acid production. However, triggers vary between individuals, so keeping track of what affects you can be helpful.
4. Can stress cause heartburn?
Yes. Stress can slow digestion and make the stomach more sensitive, increasing the likelihood of reflux. Stressful periods also often change eating habits—such as eating quickly, skipping meals, or choosing more trigger foods—which can worsen symptoms. Managing stress with exercise, relaxation techniques, and good sleep can help.
5. Is heartburn the same as acid reflux or GERD/GORD?
Heartburn is a symptom—the burning sensation you feel.
Acid reflux is the movement of stomach acid backward into the oesophagus.
GERD/GORD is the chronic, more severe form of reflux where symptoms happen frequently and may cause complications like inflammation or Barrett’s oesophagus.
6. What can I do at home to relieve heartburn?
You can try eating smaller meals, avoiding lying down for 2–3 hours after eating, and raising the head of your bed. Reducing trigger foods, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight are also helpful. Drinking water, using antacids for short-term relief, or chewing sugar-free gum may provide temporary comfort.
7. Do over-the-counter medications help?
Yes. Antacids provide quick relief by neutralising stomach acid. H2 blockers reduce acid production and work for several hours. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, are stronger and more effective for frequent symptoms but take longer to act. Long-term use of these medications should be discussed with your GP to ensure safety and proper diagnosis.
8. When should I see a doctor for heartburn?
You should see a doctor if heartburn occurs more than twice a week, is getting worse, or isn’t improving with lifestyle changes. Seek urgent medical advice if you have difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, vomiting blood, unexplained weight loss, or chest pain that could be related to your heart.
9. Can pregnancy cause heartburn?
Yes. Pregnancy hormones relax the muscles of the digestive tract, including the oesophageal sphincter, making reflux more likely. As the baby grows, increased pressure on the stomach can also push acid upward. Heartburn is common during pregnancy, especially in later stages. Lifestyle adjustments and pregnancy-safe medications can help—check with your GP or midwife.
10. Is long-term heartburn dangerous?
Chronic or untreated reflux can irritate the oesophagus, leading to inflammation, strictures (narrowing), or changes like Barrett’s oesophagus. These conditions can increase long-term health risks. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a GP to prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment.
