In brief
Heartburn is a burning pain or discomfort in the chest, often after eating, caused by stomach acid rising into the oesophagus. It is a symptom of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
- See your doctor if you have heartburn 2 times a week or more.
- Difficulty or pain swallowing, weight loss and vomiting, especially with blood, are warning signs to see a doctor about.
- Reflux can be related to dental erosion, a dry cough, a hoarse voice, bad breath and disturbed sleep.
How it works
It can feel like it is rising from the lower chest to the neck or throat, and is often worse after a meal or when lying down or bending over. Some people taste sour or bitter fluid rising into the throat or mouth. Triggers include large meals, fatty or spicy foods, coffee, fizzy drinks, citrus fruits, tomato products, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint and smoking. Being overweight, pregnancy, a hiatus hernia and some medicines can also make heartburn more likely or worse.
Eating smaller, more frequent meals, waiting 3 hours after a meal before lying down, raising the head of the bed, losing weight if overweight, stopping smoking and wearing loose clothing can help. Antacids neutralise stomach acid, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) control it, working best 30 to 60 minutes before a meal. Taking PPIs for longer than recommended, usually more than 8 weeks, can increase the risk of side effects.
Looking after it
If you are not sure whether chest pain is heartburn or a heart attack, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Connections
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Heartburn and reflux (GORD) can be worsened by
Being overweight or obese increases the chance of heartburn or makes it worse, and GORD is one of the complications of obesity.
Sources: healthdirect Australia, Heartburn; healthdirect Australia, Obesity
Alcohol is one of the food and drink triggers for heartburn.
- Caffeine Supported
Coffee is one of the food and drink triggers for heartburn.
Heartburn and reflux (GORD) affects
Heartburn happens when acid from the stomach rises up into the oesophagus.
Heartburn and reflux (GORD) can cause
- Trouble sleeping Supported
Acid reflux and heartburn can be related to disturbed sleep.
Medicines and supplements
General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.
Sources
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Summarised from healthdirect. Sources read on 19 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.