Heartburn
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
Heartburn is a painful burning feeling in your chest or throat. It happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.
If you have heartburn more than twice a week, you may have GERD. But you can have GERD without having heartburn.
Pregnancy, certain foods, alcohol, and some medications can bring on heartburn. Treating heartburn is important because over time reflux can damage the esophagus.
Over-the-counter medicines may help. If the heartburn continues, you may need prescription medicines or surgery.
If you have other symptoms such as crushing chest pain, it could be a heart attack. Get help immediately.
Symptoms, tests and care options
Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.
- Antacids and Acid Reducers: OTC Relief for Heartburn and Acid Reflux · American Academy of Family Physicians
- Esophageal pH Test · National Library of Medicine
- Heartburn or Heart Attack: When to Worry · Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Upper GI Series · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.
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