Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid traveling up towards the throat.
Back
Common Symptoms
- Heartburn – burning sensation in the middle of your chest
- Unpleasant sour taste in your mouth
- Recuring cough or hiccups
- A hoarse voice
- Bad breath
- Bloating and feeling sick
Treatment at home
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Raise 1 end of your bed 10 to 20cm by putting something under your bed or mattress – your chest and head should be above the level of your waist, so stomach acid does not travel up towards your throat
- Try to lose weight if you’re overweight
- Try to find ways to relax
When should I book a GP?
- lifestyle changes and pharmacy medicines are not helping
- you have heartburn most days for 3 weeks or more
- you have other symptoms, like food getting stuck in your throat, frequently being sick or losing weight for no reason
