Acid Reflux & Heartburn

What is acidity and heartburn?

Heartburn, often referred to as acid reflux or acidity, happens when stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus (the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach). If you experience this frequently, it may be a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Common symptoms

When experiencing acidity or heartburn, you may notice:

A burning sensation in the middle of your chest
A sour or bitter taste in the back of your mouth
Feeling full, bloated, or nauseous
Frequent burping or a dry cough

General self-care

Eat smaller meals, avoid lying down for 3 to 4 hours after eating, and note your personal triggers. Common triggers can include large late-night meals, very oily or spicy food, tea or coffee, alcohol, and tobacco. Raising the head end of the bed may help night-time symptoms. Avoid frequent self-treatment with antacids when symptoms keep returning.

Can acidity be assessed online?

An online consultation can assess symptom timing, food and medicine triggers, tobacco or alcohol use, swallowing difficulty, weight loss, and chest-pain warning signs. A registered medical practitioner may advise an in-person examination, ECG, or endoscopy depending on the pattern. Chest pressure should not be assumed to be acidity.

When to consult a doctor

Contact a doctor or visit a nearby clinic if:

You have heartburn most days.
Lifestyle changes or pharmacy medicines aren't helping.
You have difficulty swallowing.
You have unexplained weight loss.
You are vomiting frequently.

Emergency warning signs

Sometimes, symptoms of a heart attack can be mistaken for severe heartburn. You may need immediate medical attention. Visit the nearest hospital or, in a genuine life-threatening emergency, call 112 (India's national emergency number) if you experience:

Sudden, severe chest pain or pressure
Pain that spreads to your arm, back, neck, or jaw
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Vomiting blood or material that looks like dark coffee grounds

Frequently asked questions

What will a doctor ask me during a consultation?

A doctor will typically ask how frequently you experience heartburn, whether it occurs after meals or when lying down, and if you have any difficulty swallowing or unexplainable weight loss.

Can stress cause acidity?

While stress does not directly cause acid reflux, it can make you more sensitive to the acid in your stomach and can worsen your symptoms.

What foods can trigger heartburn?

Certain foods and drinks can make heartburn worse, including spicy or fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, and other personal triggers. Keeping track of which foods worsen your symptoms can help you identify your triggers.

Ready to start?

Begin your symptom check now. A registered doctor will review your case to help determine the appropriate next steps.

Get doctor review now

Medical References

Sources: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare — gastroenterology and cardiovascular Standard Treatment Guidelines