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Contact usUnderstanding Heartburn & Indigestion
The terms heartburn and indigestion are often interchanged, but they are actually two different conditions.
Heartburn (or acid reflux)
- Occurs when acid, which normally sits within the protected lining of the stomach, escapes back up into the oesophagus (food pipe)
- Because the oesophagus is not as well protected as the stomach the acid can irritate the lining
- This can cause painful symptoms such as burning, pain (usually behind the breastbone) and a feeling of sickness (often described as a 'bad taste in mouth')
Indigestion
- This can also be caused by acid irritation - hence the common confusion
- The term 'indigestion' encompasses a range of digestive symptoms
- These tend to be milder - in comparison with heartburn - but include pain/discomfort in the upper part of the stomach, sickness and nausea and an uncomfortable bloated feeling
Did you know...
- Most people will experience indigestion at some point in their lives, with 40% of adults suffering every year. (Reference: NICE http://www.nice.org.uk/article.asp?a=3587)
For heartburn and indigestion. Always read the label. Medicine can affect the unborn baby. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine in pregnancy.
Information about adverse event reporting can be found at www.yellowcard.gov.uk.