Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Key Points

Overview

Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest, which happens when stomach acid travels up your food pipe. This is also known as acid reflux. If acid reflux occurs frequently, it may be diagnosed as Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD). Many factors can trigger heartburn, including certain foods, being overweight, or experiencing stress. Sometimes, there is no clear reason why it occurs. Symptoms are often worse after eating, when lying down, or bending over. Managing heartburn often involves simple changes to your daily habits. If these changes are not enough, various medicines are available to help reduce symptoms and improve your comfort.

Signs and Symptoms

• Burning sensation in the middle of your chest
• Unpleasant sour taste in your mouth
• Persistent cough or hiccups
• Hoarse voice
• Bad breath
• Bloating and feeling sick

Things That Increase the Risk

• Certain foods and drinks (e.g., coffee, alcohol, spicy foods)
• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Pregnancy
• Stress and anxiety
• Some medicines (e.g., ibuprofen)
• Hiatus hernia (part of stomach moves into chest)
• Stomach ulcer
• Bacterial infection in the stomach

Diagnosis

• Doctor's assessment of symptoms
• Trial of lifestyle changes and pharmacy medicines
• Referral for gastroscopy (for severe or persistent cases)
• Tests for stomach bacteria (e.g., H. pylori)

Treatment & Management

• Antacids or alginates (over-the-counter medicines)
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole
• H2 receptor antagonists like famotidine
• Antibiotics (if bacterial infection is present)
• Surgery (for severe cases not helped by medicine)

Prevention

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Find ways to relax and manage stress
• Avoid foods and drinks that trigger symptoms
• Do not eat 3-4 hours before bed
• Avoid tight clothing around your waist
• Stop smoking
• Limit alcohol intake
• Elevate the head of your bed by 10-20cm

Related Diseases

• Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
• Hiatus Hernia
• Stomach Ulcer
• Esophagitis
• Barrett's Esophagus

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Heartburn and Acid Reflux:

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Heartburn and Acid Reflux: