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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ⓒ 2024 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved Health A-Z Digestive Health Heartburn Also known as acid reflux GERD Symptoms Hiatal Hernia Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Living With Prevention More Diet Acid Reflux in Children Medically reviewed by Sonal Kumar, MD Updated on April 25, 2023 Heartburn occurs when stomach acid comes into contact with the lining of the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat, coughing, and vomiting. Anyone may experience occasional heartburn. However, if it occurs frequently or daily, it may be a symptom of an underlying digestive disorder, most often gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD . Treatment includes changes to your lifestyle and over-the-counter or prescription medications. Understanding Heartburn Why Do I Have a Burning Sensation in My Chest? Why You’re Waking Up With Heartburn and How to Make It Stop How to Diagnose Heartburn Why Do I Have Heartburn? Key Terms Acid Reflux Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Lower Esophageal Sphincter Stomach Acid Acid Reflux Acid reflux—more commonly called heartburn—occurs when stomach acid comes into contact with the lining of the esophagus, causing irritation. Some acid reflux treatments focus on avoiding substances that weaken the lower esophageal sphincter and impair its function. Others work to reduce or buffer stomach acid production and avoid irritation of the esophagus. What Is Acid Reflux? Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is caused by chronic acid reflux or, more rarely, a hiatal hernia or tumor. The primary symptoms of GERD are heartburn, a burning sensation located beneath the breastbone, and regurgitation, in which stomach acid reaches the back of the throat, producing a sour, acidic taste. Untreated GERD can lead to serious complications. What You Should Know About GERD Lower Esophageal Sphincter The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is the muscle that opens and closes between the esophagus and stomach. When the LES doesn’t do its job properly, acids from the stomach can pass into the mouth and throat. The Esophageal Sphincter and Acid Reflux Stomach Acid Stomach acid, also called gastric acid, helps break down food for digestion in the stomach. The stomach has a protective lining that prevents damage from gastric acids. However, if stomach acids reach the throat as a result of heartburn, they can cause pain and irritation. Causes and Risk Factors of Heartburn Treatment Heartburn Treatment: Natural Antacids, Medication, and More Which Acid Reflux Medicine Should I Use? GERD (Heartburn) Surgery: Types, Preparation, Recovery Lifestyle Changes and Treatments for Nonerosive Reflux Disease (NERD) Living With Heartburn Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux 10 Things to Stop Doing if You Have GERD Eating to Keep Heartburn in Check Frequently Asked Questions How can I get rid of heartburn? Antacids are commonly used heartburn medications that may relieve occasional heartburn and indigestion. The active ingredients in antacids neutralize stomach acid. Natural remedies to consider also include aloe vera juice, deglycyrrhizinated licorice, and baking soda dissolved in water. Proton-pump inhibitors and H2 receptor blockers can also help with heartburn. Learn More How Heartburn Is Treated What foods cause heartburn? Certain foods and beverages are more likely to cause heartburn in some people. Common triggers to avoid include coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks; alcoholic beverages; chocolate; fried, greasy, or fatty foods; peppermint; tomatoes and tomato-based products; spicy foods and black pepper; and citrus fruits and juices. Learn More Causes and Risk Factors of Heartburn How long does heartburn last? Most people experience the symptoms of heartburn occasionally, often after a large or spicy meal. The symptoms usually occur after eating and can last for hours or through the night. Chronic heartburn, which includes episodes that occur several times a week or several times a day, can lead to complications if left untreated. See your doctor if heartburn is a recurring issue for you. How can I prevent heartburn? Quitting smoking, avoiding or reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding lying down after eating will all help prevent heartburn or reduce episodes. In addition, pay attention to dietary patterns , since foods can often trigger heartburn. For daily prevention, try drinking water or herbal tea or chewing gum after a meal to help wash down stomach acid. Learn More How to Prevent Heartburn Can stress or anxiety cause heartburn? Stress hasn’t been shown to directly cause heartburn. However, it can lead to behaviors that trigger heartburn.   During stressful times, routines are disrupted, and you may not follow your normal routines in regard to meals, exercise, and medication. Try to follow healthy eating and exercise patterns, even during times of anxiety or transition, to help reduce heartburn occurrence. Learn More What Is Indigestion? Treating Acid Reflux and Back Pain Together How Soon Can You Drink Coffee After Taking Omeprazole? Can You Take Tums and Other Antacids While Pregnant? Reasons You’re Getting Heartburn All of a Sudden Severe Heartburn: What Helps Constant, Persistent Symptoms What Is Acid Reflux? What Is Heartburn? Causes and Management of Constant Heartburn Common Symptoms and Causes of Excess Stomach Acid Heartburn vs. Acid Reflux vs. GERD: Everything You Need to Know Does Milk Help Heartburn? GER vs. GERD: Everything to Know About Heartburn Acid Reflux Headache: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments The Link Between Heartburn and Cholesterol Upper Esophageal Sphincter Function and Acid Reflux Pain Atonic Colon Symptoms and Causes An Overview of Achlorhydria 9 Ways to Make Living With Acid Reflux Disease Easier Esophageal Stricture Symptoms and Treatment Lansoprazole vs. Omeprazole: Similarities and Differences H2 Blockers vs PPI: Which Is Best for Acid Reflux? Omeprazole vs. Pantoprazole: Similarities & Differences Symptoms of Acid Reflux: That Burning Feeling Nexium vs. Prilosec: Similarities & Differences The Differences Between Famotidine and Omeprazole Esophageal Spasm Symptoms GERD Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know What’s Causing Me to Cough After I Eat? Can Acid Reflux Cause Shortness of Breath? Can GERD (Acid Reflux) Cause Heart Palpitations? Remedies and Habits That Ease Sore Throat from Acid Reflux Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux? The Connection Between GERD and Anxiety The Different Types of GERD Medication and When...