Heartburn? Why Your Chest Is Burning & Medically Approved Next Steps

If you've ever felt a burning sensation in your chest after eating, you're not alone. Heartburn is one of the most common digestive complaints worldwide. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with your heart. It's a symptom of acid irritation in your esophagus — the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach.

While occasional heartburn is common and often manageable, frequent or severe symptoms shouldn't be ignored. Here's what's happening in your body, what you can do about it, and when it's time to speak to a doctor.

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What Is Heartburn?

Heartburn happens when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. This is called acid reflux.

Normally, a ring of muscle at the bottom of your esophagus — the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — acts like a valve. It opens to let food into the stomach and closes to keep acid where it belongs.

When that valve weakens or relaxes at the wrong time, acid can escape upward. The lining of your esophagus isn't built to handle acid like your stomach is. The result? A burning feeling in your chest, often after eating.

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Common Heartburn Symptoms

Heartburn can feel different from person to person. Typical symptoms include:

• A burning sensation in the chest (often after meals)
• Pain that may worsen when lying down or bending over
• A sour or bitter taste in the mouth
• Regurgitation of food or liquid
• A feeling of food stuck in your throat
• Chronic cough or hoarseness (in some cases)

Occasional heartburn is common. But if it happens more than twice a week, it may be a sign of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) — a chronic condition that requires medical attention.

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What Causes Heartburn?

Several factors can trigger or worsen heartburn:

1. Certain Foods and Drinks

Common triggers include:

• Spicy foods
• Fatty or fried foods
• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Citrus fruits
• Tomato-based sauces
• Carbonated drinks

Not everyone reacts to the same foods. Tracking your triggers can help.

2. Overeating

Large meals stretch the stomach and increase pressure, making reflux more likely.

3. Lying Down After Eating

Gravity helps keep stomach acid down. Lying flat too soon after meals removes that help.

4. Excess Weight

Extra abdominal weight increases pressure on the stomach, pushing acid upward.

5. Pregnancy

Hormonal changes and physical pressure from the uterus can both contribute to heartburn.

6. Smoking

Nicotine relaxes the LES and increases acid production.

7. Certain Medications

Some drugs can worsen heartburn, including:

• NSAIDs (like ibuprofen)
• Certain blood pressure medications
• Some sedatives
• Certain asthma medications

If you suspect medication is contributing, do not stop it abruptly. Speak to your doctor first.

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Medically Approved Next Steps for Heartburn Relief

The good news: Most cases of heartburn improve with practical, evidence-based steps.

1. Adjust Your Eating Habits

Small changes can make a big difference:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid trigger foods
• Don't lie down for at least 2–3 hours after eating
• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly

2. Elevate Your Upper Body at Night

If heartburn strikes at night:

• Raise the head of your bed by 6–8 inches
• Use a wedge pillow (not just extra pillows, which can increase pressure)

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce heartburn symptoms in overweight individuals.

4. Quit Smoking

Stopping smoking improves LES function and reduces acid irritation.

5. Limit Alcohol

Alcohol relaxes the LES and increases acid production.

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Over-the-Counter Treatments

If lifestyle changes aren't enough, medications can help. These are generally safe when used as directed.

Antacids

• Provide quick, short-term relief
• Neutralize existing stomach acid
• Best for occasional heartburn

H2 Blockers

• Reduce acid production
• Longer-lasting than antacids
• Often used before meals known to trigger symptoms

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

• Stronger acid reducers
• Used for frequent heartburn or GERD
• Typically taken before meals
• Should not be used long-term without medical supervision

While these medications are widely used and generally safe, long-term use — especially of PPIs — should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

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When Heartburn Is More Than Just Heartburn

Occasional heartburn is common. But persistent acid reflux can damage the esophagus over time.

Untreated GERD may lead to:

• Esophagitis (inflammation)
• Narrowing of the esophagus (stricture)
• Chronic cough or asthma worsening
• Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous condition)

This does not mean heartburn equals cancer. It does mean chronic symptoms deserve medical attention.

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Heartburn or a Heart Attack?

Because heartburn causes chest discomfort, it can sometimes be confused with heart-related pain.

Seek emergency care immediately if chest pain:

• Feels like pressure, squeezing, or tightness
• Spreads to the arm, neck, jaw, or back
• Is accompanied by shortness of breath
• Comes with sweating, nausea, or dizziness

It's always better to err on the side of caution. If you're unsure, get checked.

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When to Speak to a Doctor

Make an appointment if you experience:

• Heartburn more than twice per week
• Symptoms that wake you at night
• Difficulty swallowing
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Black or bloody stools
• Chest pain you're unsure about

A doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, prescription medication, or diagnostic tests such as an endoscopy.

Do not ignore symptoms that feel severe, unusual, or progressive. Speak to a doctor about anything that could be serious or life-threatening.

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Can Heartburn Be Prevented?

For many people, yes. Prevention often comes down to consistent habits:

• Eat balanced meals
• Avoid known triggers
• Stay upright after eating
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage stress
• Avoid smoking

Small daily choices add up.

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The Bottom Line

Heartburn is common, uncomfortable, and usually manageable. It happens when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, causing a burning chest sensation.

Occasional symptoms can often be controlled with lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter medications. But frequent heartburn may signal GERD — a condition that deserves medical attention.

If you're experiencing persistent symptoms and want to better understand your condition, you can use a free AI-powered Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) symptom checker to help assess your risk and guide your next steps.

And most importantly: if symptoms are severe, persistent, or feel different than typical heartburn — especially if they involve chest pressure or shortness of breath — seek immediate medical care and speak to a doctor.

Heartburn is common. Ignoring persistent symptoms shouldn't be.