Feeling The Burn Antacids Can Provide Some Relief

Overview

Heartburn is a burning feeling in the middle of your chest or the back of your throat. It happens when stomach acid rises up into your food pipe, also called the oesophagus. The food pipe is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Antacids are medicines that help weaken stomach acid. They can give short-term relief for mild heartburn and indigestion.

Yes. Many people get heartburn from time to time, especially after a large or rich meal. Occasional heartburn is usually nothing to worry about.

Anyone can get heartburn, but it is more common in adults, people who are pregnant, people who are overweight, and people who smoke. Some people have frequent heartburn because of a long-term condition called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or GORD for short. This means stomach acid regularly flows back into the food pipe.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A burning pain in the chest, often behind the breastbone
• A sour or bitter taste in the mouth
• Acid or food coming back up into the mouth, known as regurgitation
• Bloating, burping, or feeling full quickly
• Feeling sick or having an upset stomach

Symptoms in children

• Tummy pain or discomfort
• Refusing food or being fussy after eating
• Vomiting or spitting up more than usual
• Coughing or wheezing without a clear cold
• Being irritable, especially after meals

Symptoms in older adults

• Chest pain or discomfort that may be mistaken for heart trouble
• A long-lasting cough or hoarse voice
• Trouble swallowing or a feeling that food is stuck
• Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
• Symptoms that are less typical, such as frequent throat clearing or a sour taste in the morning

Causes

Main causes

• A ring of muscle at the bottom of the food pipe relaxes too much or is weak, so stomach acid can flow upwards.
• Eating large meals or lying down soon after eating.
• Eating spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, or drinking alcohol or caffeine.
• Increased pressure on the stomach, such as during pregnancy or from being overweight.
• A hiatus hernia, where part of the stomach slides up into the chest.

Risk factors

• Being overweight or gaining weight around the belly.
• Smoking or regular exposure to second-hand smoke.
• Pregnancy.
• Certain medicines, such as some pain relievers or medicines for blood pressure, can loosen the valve or irritate the stomach.
• Stress and lack of sleep, which can make symptoms feel worse.
• Eating late at night or having large, heavy meals.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have chest pain that is severe, spreading, or comes with sweating, breathlessness, or faintness — call your local emergency number.
• You have difficulty swallowing or feel that food is sticking.
• You vomit blood or have black, tarry stools.
• You have unexplained weight loss or ongoing vomiting.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You get heartburn most days for three weeks or more.
• Antacids or self-care measures are no longer helping.
• Heartburn is affecting your sleep or daily activities.
• You are over 55 and have new, unexplained stomach or chest symptoms.
• You are pregnant and heartburn is making it hard to eat or drink.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will usually ask about your symptoms, when they happen, and what makes them better or worse. They may ask about your diet, lifestyle, and any medicines you take. Most of the time, no tests are needed at first. A trial of lifestyle changes and medicine may be enough to confirm heartburn or acid reflux.

Tests that may be done

• Endoscopy: a thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed down your throat to look at the food pipe and stomach.
• pH monitoring: a small probe measures how much acid comes up into the food pipe.
• Barium swallow: you drink a chalky liquid that shows up on X-rays so the shape of your food pipe can be seen.
• Blood tests or stool tests may be done if the doctor wants to check for other causes.

What to expect at your appointment

These tests are usually simple and done as an outpatient, meaning you go home the same day. You may be asked not to eat for a few hours beforehand. The team will explain exactly what to expect and answer your questions. Most people find the tests uncomfortable but not painful.

Treatment

The goal is to reduce symptoms, protect the food pipe, and improve quality of life. Mild heartburn can often be managed with self-care and short-term use of antacids. Antacids weaken stomach acid and may give quick relief for a few hours. If symptoms are frequent or severe, a doctor may recommend other medicines that reduce acid production or help the stomach empty. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting any new medicine, especially if you take other medicines.

Self-care at home

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large meals.
• Avoid foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms, such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, alcohol, and caffeine.
• Do not lie down for at least three hours after eating.
• Raise the head of your bed by about 10 to 20 centimetres, or 4 to 8 inches, using blocks or a wedge.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes around your waist.
• If you are overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can help.
• Stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.
• Try to manage stress with relaxation, gentle activity, or talking to someone.

Medical treatments

A pharmacist or doctor may suggest an antacid for occasional symptoms. Antacids work by weakening stomach acid, but they do not stop acid from being made, so relief is usually short-term. For frequent heartburn, a doctor may prescribe a medicine that reduces the amount of acid the stomach produces. These medicines take longer to start working but last longer. In some cases, a medicine to help the stomach empty may also be considered. Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider and tell them about any other medicines you take, including over-the-counter remedies.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be an option for a small number of people with severe reflux that does not improve with medicines or lifestyle changes. The most common operation strengthens the valve between the stomach and food pipe to stop acid rising. A specialist can explain the risks and benefits if this applies to you.

Living with this condition

Living with heartburn often means learning your own triggers and adjusting your routine. Keep a simple diary of what you eat and when symptoms appear. This can help you notice patterns. Some people find that avoiding late meals and raising the bed head makes a big difference. Antacids can be kept on hand for occasional flare-ups, but they are not meant for daily long-term use without medical advice.

Lifestyle tips

• Plan meals earlier in the evening and avoid late-night snacking.
• Choose smaller portions and eat slowly.
• Identify your personal trigger foods and limit them.
• Stay upright after meals — take a gentle walk instead of lying down.
• If you smoke, ask your local pharmacy or health service about support to stop.
• Aim for regular, moderate physical activity that you enjoy.

Diet and exercise

There is no single diet that works for everyone. Common triggers include spicy foods, fatty or fried foods, chocolate, peppermint, tomatoes, citrus fruits, coffee, fizzy drinks, and alcohol. You do not need to avoid all of these unless they cause symptoms for you. Regular exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling can help with weight management and overall wellbeing. Avoid exercising immediately after a heavy meal.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Persistent heartburn can disrupt sleep, make eating less enjoyable, and lead to worry or low mood. Stress and anxiety can also make the burning feeling more noticeable. If heartburn is affecting your mental health, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you find ways to manage stress and may suggest support such as counselling or a support group.

Prevention

You can reduce your chance of getting heartburn by keeping a healthy weight, avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms, eating smaller meals, not lying down soon after eating, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and not smoking. While not every case can be prevented, these steps make a big difference for many people.

Complications

If left untreated

• The food pipe can become inflamed or irritated, a condition called oesophagitis.
• Repeated inflammation may lead to narrowing of the food pipe, making swallowing painful or difficult.
• In some people, long-term acid damage can change the lining of the food pipe, a condition called Barrett's oesophagus, which needs regular monitoring.
• Ongoing pain and poor sleep can affect quality of life and mental wellbeing.

Long-term outlook

For most people, heartburn is a manageable condition. Lifestyle changes, occasional antacid use, and, when needed, medicines prescribed by a doctor can control symptoms well. The outlook is very good, especially when triggers are identified early. If symptoms are frequent, seeing a healthcare provider can help prevent long-term problems.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.