Heartburn
Treat recurring acid reflux. Find the right treatment.
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Heartburn is a symptom caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, a common condition where acid from the stomach leaks up into the throat. There are a range of treatments for heartburn we can offer.
Just answer a few questions regarding your health and we can recommend treatments for you. You can get flexible subscriptions for heartburn treatment with us and we’ll deliver right to you.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (otherwise known as heartburn) is a condition consisting of recurring episodes of heartburn and acid reflux. Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest, usually after you’ve eaten. Acid reflux is a burning in your throat caused by stomach acid.
Almost everyone will experience heartburn and acid reflux in their lives. But there are some factors that can make people more likely to develop heartburn. These include:
Heartburn is quite common. If you have heartburn, the bright side is that there’s a range of treatments and lots of people in the same boat as you.
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When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy
Heartburn is usually caused by the ring of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus (known as the lower oesophageal sphincter) becoming weaker. The oesophagus connects your mouth to your stomach, and this ring of muscle opens and closes to let food in.
If the muscle becomes weaker, it can’t always close as it’s supposed to, and it isn’t able to stop your stomach acid from leaking up your throat. This causes the symptoms of heartburn, like burning in the chest and throat.
The main symptoms of heartburn are burning in the chest and throat, often after eating. Sometimes acid reflux comes with a sour taste in the mouth.
There are other symptoms which may appear. These can include oesophagitis, meaning a sore and swollen oesophagus. Heartburn can also appear with:
Heartburn usually causes mild but uncomfortable symptoms. But if heartburn is quite severe and untreated for a long period of time, it can cause some complications. These include:
There usually aren’t any noticeable symptoms with Barrett’s oesophagus. Very rarely, it can be associated with oesophageal cancer. A doctor may suggest having an endoscopy every few years to keep an eye on this.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should speak to a doctor. The best thing you can do for your health is to treat your heartburn early.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy
There are lots of different medications to treat heartburn. They come in different forms, like tablets, granules and syrups. Usually, they work by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. This lessens the symptoms of heartburn and protects your throat from damage.
There isn’t a ‘best’ treatment as such for heartburn. It depends on your symptoms and preferences for medication. If you struggle with taking tablets then treatment in the form of granules or syrup may be better options for you. If you have worse symptoms, you may need to take more medication, or combine it with lifestyle changes. It just varies from person to person.
Heartburn doesn’t always require medication. Symptoms caused by heartburn can often be reduced with healthy lifestyle changes and avoiding triggers. These might include:
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy
Have something specific you want to know about Heartburn? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Are screening and surveillance for Barrett’s oesophagus really worthwhile? Gut 2005;54:i27-i32.
Risk of oesophageal cancer in Barrett’s oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal reflux. Gut 2004;53:1070-1074.
Syrup that helps to treat ulcers in your stomach or intestine. Contains sucralfate.
Registered with PMC (No. 41934)
Meet Dr NavkaranRegistered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet DanielRegistered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
Meet CraigAlways read the leaflet that comes with your medication and tell us about any side effects you get.
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