Heartburn and acid reflux
Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest, caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux). It is very common and often triggered by food, drink and lifestyle. Most people can control it with simple changes and medicines from the pharmacy.
- Very common
- Including in pregnancy
- First steps
- Trigger foods, eating habits, weight
- Frequent symptoms
- Should be checked by a doctor
Common symptoms
- A burning pain in the middle of the chest, behind the breastbone, that can rise up to the throat
- A sour or bitter taste in the mouth, or food and liquid coming back up
- Symptoms that are worse after eating, when bending over or lying down, or at night
- Bloating, burping and feeling sick
- A hoarse voice or a persistent cough
What you can do yourself
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals, and avoid eating within 3 to 4 hours of going to bed.
- Cut down on things that trigger it for you — commonly fatty or spicy food, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate and fizzy drinks.
- If you smoke, stopping helps a lot. Ask us about support.
- Lose weight if you are overweight, and avoid tight clothes and belts.
- Raise the head of your bed by 10 to 20 cm, so your head and chest are higher than your stomach.
- Some painkillers, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, can irritate the stomach and make heartburn worse — ask us before taking them.
Medicines from the pharmacy
Antacids and alginates can give quick relief when symptoms happen. For more frequent symptoms, acid-reducing medicines are available without a prescription for short courses, typically up to 2 weeks. Ask us which is right for you, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, take other medicines or have other health conditions.
How PRX Pharmacy can help
Our pharmacists can suggest the best treatment and check for anything that suggests you need a doctor. If you need heartburn medicine most days, or for more than 2 weeks, please see your GP.
When to get medical help
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- • You have chest pain that feels tight, heavy or crushing, or that spreads to your arm, neck or jaw, especially with sweating, feeling sick or breathlessness — this could be a heart attack, not heartburn
- • You are vomiting blood, or your vomit looks like coffee grounds, or you have black, tarry poo
- • You have severe, sudden tummy pain
Contact your GP practice or call 111 the same day if:
- • You have trouble or pain when swallowing, or food feels like it is sticking
- • You keep being sick
- • You have unexplained weight loss, or a loss of appetite
- • Your symptoms are frequent, or last for more than 2 to 3 weeks despite treatment
- • You are over 55 and have new or persistent indigestion
- • You have a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks, or a persistent cough
- • You are pale, very tired, or short of breath (which could be a sign of anaemia)
If you are ever worried and unsure, ask us or call 111. Trust your instincts — it is always better to ask.
This guide is general information written by the PRX Pharmacy team. It does not replace advice from a pharmacist or doctor who knows your medical history.
Last updated 24 September 2026. Clinically reviewed by Milan Patel, Pharmacist on 24 September 2026.
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