Heartburn is a symptom of pain and burning in the upper chest.
It is sparked by stomach acid coming up into the esophagus (food tube).
You may get relief from heartburn symptoms by using medications or home remedies.
VioletaStoimenova / Getty Images
Heartburn may be a symptom of a more serious health condition.
Heartburn can also be felt in the neck or throat.
This is because acid coming up from the stomach into the esophagus causes the symptoms.
Intensity and Frequency
Heartburn can range from uncomfortable to quite painful.
It can be short-lived or last for hours.
It may also go away without treatment.
Heartburn can also come on more frequently at night or when lying down.
They can explore how to prevent or manage it and what to do if it worsens.
Who Gets Severe Heartburn?
In some people, heartburn cancome on suddenlyandbe severe.
It’s important to talk with a healthcare provider when this happens because other options may be available.
Heartburn During Pregnancy
Pregnant people oftenexperience heartburn, especially in the later trimesters.
The growing fetus presses on the internal organs.
The pressure can lead to acid moving up from the stomach and into the esophagus.
Twenty-five percent of pregnant people report daily heartburn.
What About Chronic Heartburn?
It is important to keep track of the symptoms of heartburn and how often they occur.
If heartburn becomes chronic, it may be a sign of another condition.
Heartburn is one of the symptoms ofgastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Diagnosing Heartburn
Heartburn is diagnosed based on the symptoms and a personal medical history.
Most people won’t need to see a healthcare provider to know they have heartburn.
Treating Heartburn
Heartburn can be prevented and managed in several ways.
Some people might need more than one option to control heartburn symptoms.
Drugstore Heartburn Relief
Over-the-counter drugs to prevent ormanage heartburninclude the following options.
Antacidsact on stomach acid, making it less likely to cause symptoms.
They can be helpful to use after heartburn symptoms start and may work quickly to eliminate symptoms.
Brands found at the drugstore include Mylanta, Rolaids, and Tums.
An H2 blocker prevents the stomach lining from making acids by binding to histamine key in 2 receptors.
They may start to work one to three hours after they’re taken.
Theymay be less effectivefor some people than proton pump inhibitors (PPI).
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)are for longer-term use and are usually recommended for 14 days.
Symptoms may take several days (up to four) to start resolving.
PPIs block the last part of the stomach’s acid-creation process.
Do not stop taking any prescribed drugs without discussing them with a healthcare provider.
These drugs are available OTC and by prescription.
Prescription forms may be in a higher dosage or be prescribed for longer than 14 days.
If prescriptions are needed, it may mean that GERD is the cause of the symptoms.
Surgery is not used as a treatment for occasional heartburn.
Surgical procedures for GERDshore up thelower esophageal sphincter (LES).
However, chronic or recurrent heartburn shouldn’t be ignored.
The symptoms can last for hours if they are not treated.
Treatment will often reduce the intensity or the length of heartburn.
The effects will depend on the treatment method chosen.
Home remedies may be less effective than medication in some cases.
A home remedy might work for a few hours or fix the symptoms altogether.
The benefit of some home remedies is that they may be less likely to cause adverse effects.
If so, it is time to see a healthcare provider.
Several types of treatments are available to either prevent heartburn or treat it immediately.
Lifestyle and diet changes are also helpful in preventing heartburn.
National Library of Medicine.Acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD: whats the difference?
National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute.Heart attack symptoms.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults.
Altuwaijri M.Evidence-based treatment recommendations for gastroesophageal reflux disease during pregnancy: a review.Medicine (Baltimore).
2022;101(35):e30487.
doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000030487
American College of Gastroenterology.Acid reflux / GERD overview.
Food and Drug Administration.Over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn treatment.
Histamine throw in-2 receptor antagonists (H2 blockers).
In:LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012.
Strand DS, Kim D, Peura DA.25 years of proton pump inhibitors: a comprehensive review.Gut Liver.
2017;11:27-37. doi:10.5009/gnl15502.
Kaiser Permanente.Fundoplication surgery & treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Canadian Society of Intestinal Research.Natural and over-the-counter heartburn treatments.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.GERD diet: foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).
