Heartburn causes, symptoms and remedies
What is heartburn?
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest behind the breastbone.
It’s caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat which is known as acid reflux.
Heartburn is a common condition affecting up to one in four adults in the UK and many of us get it from time to time, often without an obvious cause.
If it happens most days, it could be a sign of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and you should speak to your doctor.
What are the symptoms of heartburn?
If you have heartburn, you may experience one or all of these symptoms. They’re often worse after eating, while bending over or laying down.
Look out for:
A burning sensation in the middle of the chest
An unpleasant sour taste in the mouth
Bad breath
A recurring cough or hiccups
Feeling sick and bloating
A hoarse voice
What causes heartburn?
There are several dietary and lifestyle factors which can cause or make heartburn and acid reflux worse.
It can be triggered by spicy, fatty or rich foods, citrus fruit juice, caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
Lifestyle factors include being overweight, smoking, stress and anxiety, some medicines such as ibuprofen and pregnancy*.
Sometimes an increase in hormones such as progesterone and oestrogen can cause heartburn.
How to treat heartburn
Making simple changes to what you eat and drink can help to reduce episodes of heartburn and acid reflux or stop them altogether.
Reduce your intake or avoid any food and drinks that are triggering your symptoms – it might help to keep a diary for a couple of weeks to work out what they are.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals and try not to eat within three to four hours of going to bed.
You may find that using wood, bricks or books to raise the head of your bed by around 10 to 20cm, so your chest and head are above your waist, helps relieve symptoms. This can help stop stomach acid travelling up towards your throat. But do not try to achieve the same effect by using additional pillows, as this can increase pressure on your belly and make your symptoms worse.
In terms of lifestyle, losing excess weight and stopping smoking can help as can trying to relieve and distract yourself from life’s stresses through activities you enjoy.
*If you are pregnant talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine. Always read the accompanying patient information leaflet.
How do Bisodol Indigestion Relief Tablets work?
Bisodol Indigestion Relief Tablets are antacids which work quickly to relieve the symptoms of indigestion. Their unique triple action formula treats the pain and discomfort of acid indigestion, heartburn and trapped wind.
Our original peppermint-flavoured tablets come in a packet of 60, split into three handy pocket packs of 20 tablets.
Containing three widely used antacid ingredients: Calcium Carbonate, Light Magnesium Carbonate, and Sodium Bicarbonate, Bisodol Indigestion Relief Tablets quickly neutralise excess stomach acid.
Bisodol Indigestion Relief Tablets Original Peppermint Flavour Chewable Indigestion Relief Tablets
60 tablets £3. Available online, from pharmacies and supermarkets.
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