Overview
Heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest, behind the breastbone. It happens when stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus (food pipe). Occasional heartburn is common, but frequent heartburn (more than twice a week) may be a sign of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Symptoms
Burning sensation in the chest after eating
Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
Difficulty swallowing
Chronic cough or hoarseness
Feeling of a lump in the throat
Symptoms worse when lying down or bending over
Common Causes
Weak lower esophageal sphincter
Eating large meals or lying down after eating
Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods
Obesity or pregnancy
Smoking
Hiatal hernia
Self-Care Tips
Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Avoid eating 2–3 hours before bedtime
Elevate the head of your bed 15–20 cm
Avoid trigger foods (spicy, fatty, citrus, chocolate, coffee)
Maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking — it weakens the esophageal valve
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if heartburn occurs more than twice a week, doesn't improve with over-the-counter medications, causes difficulty swallowing, or is accompanied by unintended weight loss or vomiting.
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