Heartburn and indigestion: causes, quick relief and when to see a GP

Most people get heartburn or indigestion from time to time, often after a big or rich meal. It can be uncomfortable, but it's rarely serious and there's a lot you can do to ease it and stop it coming back.

What's the difference?

Heartburn is a burning feeling in the middle of your chest, often after eating. It happens when stomach acid comes back up into your food pipe (oesophagus). When this happens often, it's called acid reflux.

Indigestion is a more general term for discomfort in your upper tummy. You might feel full too quickly, bloated, sick, or burp and bring up food or a sour taste.

The two often go together, and the same steps help with both.

Common causes

• large, fatty or spicy meals, or eating late at night
• coffee, alcohol, chocolate and fizzy drinks
• smoking
• stress and anxiety
• being overweight
• pregnancy
• some medicines, including anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen

Simple changes that help

• Eat smaller meals more often, rather than a few large ones.
• Leave 3 to 4 hours between your last meal and going to bed.
• Raise the head of your bed by 10 to 20cm, for example by putting something under the legs, so acid is less likely to come up at night.
• Notice your triggers and cut down on foods and drinks that make it worse.
• Stop smoking and drink less alcohol.
• Lose weight if you're overweight.
• Find ways to relax, as stress can make symptoms worse.

What you can get from a pharmacy

Antacids neutralise stomach acid and usually work within minutes, which makes them good for occasional heartburn. They're best taken after meals or when symptoms start. Always follow the instructions on the pack, and leave a gap between antacids and other medicines, as they can stop some medicines working properly.

For heartburn that keeps coming back, a pharmacist can suggest other medicines that reduce how much acid your stomach makes. Tell them about any other medicines you take and whether you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you take ibuprofen or aspirin regularly and get indigestion, speak to a pharmacist or GP. These medicines can irritate your stomach, and you may need a different painkiller.

When to see a GP

See a GP if:

• you have heartburn most days for 3 weeks or more
• pharmacy medicines aren't helping
• you're 55 or over and your symptoms are new
• you're losing weight without trying
• you have difficulty swallowing, or food feels like it's getting stuck
• you keep being sick, or have a lump in your stomach

Get urgent help from NHS 111 or A&E if you're vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds, or if you have black, sticky poo. Call 999 if you have chest pain that spreads to your arms, back, neck or jaw, or feels tight or heavy, as this can be a sign of a heart attack.

The short answer

Occasional heartburn and indigestion are common and usually settle with smaller meals, avoiding your triggers and an antacid when needed. If it's happening most days for 3 weeks or more, or you notice any warning signs, see a GP.