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Causes & Symptoms

The symptoms of heartburn (acid reflux) are generally described as a kind of tightening or burning sensation in the back of the throat and chest area. Some people also experience a bitter or acidic taste in the back of the throat.

With indigestion, pain may be felt in the chest or top of the stomach, however many people complain of feeling 'bloated' or uncomfortably full and gaseous - needing to burp, belch or pass wind a lot. There may also be nausea or vomiting and a loss of appetite.

If you are not sure which you are suffering from, see how you feel if you lie down or bend over. If this seems to make symptoms worse it is more likely that you have heartburn.

If you find you are suffering regularly or have any concerns consult your GP.

Causes of heartburn and indigestion

Heartburn and indigestion can tend to have similar triggers. These include:

The Way You Eat...

Eating large meals can cause your stomach to produce too much acid. Physically 'overfilling' the stomach can also create pressure and cause acid to escape.
Eating irregularly or too quickly can mean that acid levels in the stomach don't have time to regulate.
Eating on the run or just before bedtime can make it easier for acid to escape back up into the oesophagus (food pipe).

The Types of Food You Eat...

Fatty foods tend to stay in your stomach for longer because fats are slower to digest.
Foods such as chocolate and mint may have a relaxant effect on the sphincter (ring of muscle) at the entrance to the stomach enabling acid to escape back up.
Spicy foods, onions and tomato products may also be triggers.

The Types of Drinks You Drink...

Caffeinated drinks and alcohol tend to increase acidity in your stomach.
Very hot drinks and citrus juices may also be triggers.

Other known triggers include...

Certain medicines, such as those for heart problems, asthma and high blood pressure can sometimes make your stomach produce more acid.
Being overweight or wearing tight clothes can put pressure on your stomach.
Smoking can encourage acid production and cause the sphincter to relax. It may also slow down the production of saliva which helps protect the oesophagus.

Many people can identify the triggers for their symptoms and take action accordingly, but if you are suffering regularly, or have any concerns, consult your GP.

If you are suffering from any of the following you should consult your doctor:

• Symptoms developing for the first time in mid or later life.
• Abdominal pain before or after meals.
• Persistent feeling of fullness, bloating or flatulence.
• Nausea or vomiting - particularly if it has bright red blood or dark brown bits in it.
• Pain or difficulty in swallowing.
• Ongoing loss of appetite/continued unexplained weight loss.
• Persistent diarrhoea, constipation or any alteration in bowel habit.
• Change in stools (bowel motions) especially if they become black, dark red, pale or contain mucus (slime).
• Bleeding or pain when you pass a stool.
• Generally feeling tired, lethargic or unwell in association with any abdominal symptoms.

(Guidelines from CORE and the British Society of Gastroenterology)