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Heartburn: Causes, Symptoms & Relief

What is
HEARTBURN?

Acidic coffee can lead to heartburn symptoms.

Heartburn is the name given to the burning feeling or heat that begins in your chest and rises upwards to the throat. It usually comes in waves and is in response to stomach acid rising up through a valve from the stomach into the oesophagus (food pipe). In most cases, heartburn symptoms, including the burning sensation or pain, are occuring due to stomach acid irritating the unprotected oesophagus.

Heartburn usually happens after eating or when you go to bed or at night. How long does heartburn last? It can last for several hours or more. Many people suffer sleepless nights as a result of heartburn because the lying down position can contribute to the condition and increase the heartburn pain.

Heartburn is one of the most common symptoms of GORD - Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease. It might sound scary, but in most cases GORD is not a serious condition and is experienced by one in ten people every day.(2) However, persistent episodes can damage the lining of the oesophagus, so have a chat with your GP or pharmacist if you’re at all concerned.

Heartburn can be more common during pregnancy as the body changes hormonally and physically. To find out more about Rennie and pregnancy, visit our heartburn during pregnancy page.

What are the
SYMPTOMS OF HEARTBURN?

Icon of a person suffering from heatburn symptoms: burning sensation in chest and throat

“It feels like my insides are on fire.”

The symptoms of heartburn can be described in lots of ways.

  • A burning sensation in your chest or throat after eating
  • A hot sour or salty tasting fluid in the back of your throat and difficulty swallowing
  • Pressure behind the breastbone
  • Feeling bloated
  • Needing to burp
  • Feeling sick

What causes
HEARTBURN?

Hot red chillies - foods to avoid with heartburn.

Heartburn is very common. In most cases, it is caused by acid reflux, which is when the ring of muscle or valve (called the sphincter muscle) at the entrance to your stomach doesn’t close tightly, or relaxes too often, allowing acid from the stomach to travel out and up the oesophagus (food pipe). (1)

Certain foods can increase the likelihood of heartburn for different reasons. Fried or greasy foods, high fat meats and whole milk dairy products can cause the valve to relax. Caffeinated drinks, coffee, alcohol and spicy foods can all stimulate excess acid production and increase the likelihood of heartburn.

Some people find they experience heartburn when they are stressed. (4)

Being overweight means you can be more likely to suffer from heartburn because of increased pressure on your stomach, which can force open the valve after a meal.(2,4) Even tight clothing can do this.

Are you suffering from Heartburn? Read some treatment tips to help relieve the symptoms of heartburn

Treating Heartburn

RENNIE TIPS & ADVICE

Take a look at our tips and advice on how to have a happier digestive life.

What is bloating and how to deal with it?

What is bloating and how to deal with it?

Many of us have experienced the feeling of being bloated. It often occurs after an indulgent weekend or during festive seasons, where larger amounts of eating and drinking take place.

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Man experiencing burning sensation in chest and throat - reflux symptoms

Is there a difference between acid reflux and indigestion?

Quite often, the terms acid reflux and indigestion are used interchangeably without fully understanding the differences between the two. 

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How Stress can affect your digestive health

How Stress can affect your digestive health

The link between emotions and digestion has been well documented – how else can you explain that sudden feeling you get when you are scared and you become instantly nauseous?

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woman exercising

How to get rid of bloating with yoga

It’s easy to overindulge when presented with delicious food and, while Rennie can help to relieve the symptoms of heartburn or indigestion after a heavy meal, that bloated feeling can be harder to shift.

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pregnant women

Simple snacks to avoid heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn and acid reflux are common problems for pregnant women.

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Can exercise help you combat acid reflux and heartburn?

Can exercise help you combat acid reflux and heartburn?

Many people who suffer from heartburn and acid reflux will, at some point or another, been told that exercise and weight loss is a great way to combat the symptoms.

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Spicy foods that trigger heartburn are better to be avoided.

Avoid foods that cause acid reflux: simple food swaps to get rid of heartburn

Heartburn is an extremely uncomfortable experience that affects thousands of people across Britain on a daily basis.

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Heartburn Myths You Should Know the Truth About

Heartburn Myths You Should Know the Truth About

Heartburn is a symptom of indigestion that occurs as a result of stomach acid escaping up into your oesophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest.

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How to relieve heartburn over occasions like Eid

How to relieve heartburn over occasions like Eid

The festive period is a time to let ourselves go and allow our gluttonous side free with a plate constantly piled high with rich, indulgent foods.

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Stress and Heartburn: the best tips to combat stress today

Stress and Heartburn: the best tips to combat stress today

Stress can be a major contributor to heartburn or indigestion – which is all the more reason to adopt healthy ways of dealing with stress.

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OUR PRODUCTS

How to help indigestion? What to take for acid reflux? Try Rennie Peppermint

Rennie Peppermint

Containing antacid to neutralise excess stomach acid, Rennie Peppermint tablets work fast to relieve the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.

Learn more

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Always read the label. If symptoms are severe or prolonged, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist. If you are pregnant, medicines can affect the unborn baby. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine during pregnancy.


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