Quick & important: what you can do right now
If you're currently experiencing acute heartburn
- Sit up straight: Sit upright or raise the head of your bed. Gravity keeps stomach acid down.
- Lie on your left side: If you need to lie down, do so on your left side. In this position, the stomach opening sits higher than the stomach contents.
- Rinsing effect: Take a few small sips of still water or lukewarm tea to flush the acid out of the oesophagus.
- Check: Did you take medication on an empty stomach, or are you also experiencing chest pain?
- Loosen tight clothing: Immediately loosen your belt or any tight clothing around your abdomen to reduce pressure on the stomach.
Important
If the pain is severe, radiates into your arm, or you experience shortness of breath: call emergency services immediately (999/112) – this could be confused with a heart attack.
What is heartburn – and what does it typically feel like?
Heartburn (reflux) occurs when the sphincter muscle between the oesophagus and the stomach does not close properly. Stomach acid rises and irritates the sensitive lining. This usually manifests as a burning pain behind the breastbone that can radiate up into the throat. It is often accompanied by acid regurgitation, a feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen, or chronic irritable cough.
Common causes and triggers of heartburn
Why does it burn in the chest? These factors are particularly common in everyday life:
Diet & eating habits
Large, fatty meals, spicy foods, coffee, and alcohol stimulate acid production and loosen the gastric sphincter. Eating late, right before bedtime, is also a classic trigger.
Heartburn at night and when lying down
When lying flat, the natural protective effect of gravity disappears. Sleeping flat risks acid irritating the oesophagus throughout the night. This often leads to hoarseness or a sore throat in the morning.
Stress & psychosomatic factors
Under stress, the stomach often produces more acid (known as a "stress stomach"), while digestion slows down at the same time.
Medications as "acid triggers"
A critical point: many medications (e.g. certain painkillers, osteoporosis drugs, or cardiac preparations) can irritate the mucosal lining or weaken the sphincter muscle. Heartburn is often a direct consequence of certain drug combinations.
