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Heartburn and acid reflux

Overview

Open all pages about Heartburn and acid reflux

The main symptoms of acid reflux are a burning feeling in the middle of your chest (heartburn) and an unpleasant sour taste in your mouth.

The cause of heartburn and acid reflux is not always clear, but things like spicy food, smoking or being overweight can make it worse.

You can ease heartburn and acid reflux by making lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller meals, losing weight and not eating before going to bed.

The main treatments for heartburn and acid reflux are medicines that reduce how much acid your stomach makes. Rarely, surgery is needed.

Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest. It’s caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux).

Page last reviewed: 20/11/2023
Next review due: 20/11/2026