Understanding Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Causes, Symptoms & Effective Relief
Experiencing heartburn and acid reflux or persistent indigestion? Learn what causes these common digestive conditions, how to recognise the symptoms, and the treatments that may help you find lasting relief.
What Is Heartburn?
Heartburn is a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest that occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus (food pipe). Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart.
It is one of the most common digestive complaints, affecting people of all ages. While occasional heartburn is usually nothing to worry about, frequent symptoms may indicate gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), also known as GERD.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- What heartburn and acid reflux are
- The common symptoms
- What causes them
- How they can be managed
- Treatments and products available from National Pharmacy
- When it’s important to seek medical advice
What's the Difference Between Heartburn and Acid Reflux?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they describe slightly different things.
Acid reflux is the process where stomach acid moves back into the oesophagus.
Heartburn is the burning sensation that acid reflux commonly causes.
Some people experience acid reflux without significant heartburn, while others may develop additional symptoms such as a sore throat or persistent cough.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- A burning feeling in the chest after eating
- Acidic or bitter taste in the mouth
- Regurgitation of food or stomach acid
- Indigestion
- Bloating after meals
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent cough or hoarse voice
- Symptoms that worsen when lying down or bending over
If symptoms occur regularly, it’s important to discuss them with your GP or pharmacist.
What Causes Heartburn and Acid Reflux?
Several factors can increase the likelihood of acid reflux.
Large Meals
Eating large portions places extra pressure on the stomach, increasing the chance of acid escaping into the oesophagus.
Fatty or Spicy Foods
Certain foods can relax the valve between the stomach and oesophagus, making reflux more likely.
Common triggers include:
- Fried foods
- Spicy meals
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Coffee
- Fizzy drinks
Everyone’s triggers are different, so keeping a food diary can often help identify patterns.
Eating Late at Night
Going to bed soon after eating makes it easier for stomach acid to move upwards.
Being Overweight
Extra abdominal pressure increases the likelihood of reflux symptoms.
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes and pressure on the stomach make heartburn particularly common during pregnancy.
Smoking and Alcohol
Both can weaken the lower oesophageal sphincter, increasing acid reflux.
How Is Heartburn Different from IBS?
Although both affect the digestive system, they are different conditions.
Heartburn and Acid Reflux
- Usually affects the upper digestive tract
- Burning chest pain
- Acid reflux
- Often linked to stomach acid
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Usually affects the bowel
- Cramping abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel habits
- Often linked to gut sensitivity
If you’ve already read our Gut Health & IBS Guide, you’ll know that bloating and abdominal discomfort may have different underlying causes. Understanding the difference can help you choose the most appropriate treatment.
Treatments That May Help
Treatment depends on the frequency and severity of your heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
Simple adjustments can often make a significant difference. These include:
- Eating smaller meals
- Avoiding known trigger foods
- Not lying down immediately after eating
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Stopping smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Raising the head of your bed if symptoms occur overnight
Acid-Reducing Medicines
For people experiencing frequent heartburn and acid reflux, medicines that reduce stomach acid may provide longer-lasting relief.
Nexium Control Tablets
Nexium Control contains esomeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that works by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
It may be suitable for people who experience:
- Frequent heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Indigestion related to excess stomach acid
Unlike fast-acting antacids, PPIs can take a few days to achieve their full effect but provide longer-lasting symptom control when used as directed.
Browse Nexium Control Tablets on the National Pharmacy website to learn more.
Supporting Overall Digestive Health
Not all digestive symptoms are caused by excess stomach acid. If you regularly experience bloating, abdominal discomfort or digestive upset, supporting your gut health may also be beneficial.
Our range of digestive health products includes clinically researched probiotics such as Alflorex and the wider PrecisionBiotics range, designed to help support a healthy gut microbiome.
Read our Gut Health & IBS Guide to learn more about probiotics and digestive wellbeing.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Occasional heartburn is common, but medical advice should be sought if you:
- Experience symptoms more than twice a week
- Have difficulty swallowing
- Lose weight without trying
- Notice vomiting or blood in vomit
- Pass black or tarry stools
- Have persistent chest pain
These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires further investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes heartburn?
Heartburn is usually caused by stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus, often triggered by certain foods, large meals, obesity, pregnancy or lifestyle factors.
Is heartburn the same as acid reflux?
Acid reflux is the movement of stomach acid into the oesophagus. Heartburn is one of the most common symptoms of acid reflux.
What foods commonly trigger acid reflux?
Common triggers include spicy foods, fatty meals, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, tomatoes and citrus fruits, although triggers vary between individuals.
Can stress make acid reflux worse?
Stress doesn’t directly cause acid reflux, but it can make symptoms feel worse and may contribute to unhealthy eating habits that trigger reflux.
When should I take Nexium Control?
Nexium Control should always be taken according to the instructions provided with the medicine. If symptoms persist or worsen, speak to your pharmacist or GP.
Conclusion
Heartburn and acid reflux are extremely common, but they don’t have to interfere with your daily life.
Understanding your personal triggers, making simple lifestyle changes and choosing the right treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve your digestive health.
Whether you’re looking for longer-term acid control with Nexium Control, or you’re exploring ways to support your wider digestive wellbeing through products such as Alflorex and the PrecisionBiotics range, National Pharmacy offers trusted healthcare products to help you manage your symptoms with confidence.
If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, our team is always happy to help you choose the most appropriate option.
