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Once food is chewed and swallowed, it is pushed by muscular waves down the oesophagus and through a sphincter (or muscle ring) into the stomach. Sometimes, even in healthy individuals, the contents of the stomach squeeze up through the sphincter and back into the oesophagus. This is called ‘reflux’ (also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, indigestion or heartburn) and feels like a burning sensation behind the breastbone.

Occasional heartburn can be caused by: , when the womb pushes up against the stomach. The oesophagus uses muscular contractions (called ‘peristalsis’) to squeeze swallowed food down into the stomach.

However, food inside the stomach is only kept there by the force of gravity, so don’t lie down after a big meal.

Usually, taking an antacid and waiting is all the treatment needed for heartburn in healthy people. wall reduces the amount of room for the stomach and small intestines. Any extra pressure on the stomach, such as stooping, forces the stomach contents up into the oesophagus.

Weight loss may reduce the symptoms

Frequent heartburn (also called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) can also be caused by: reduces the frequency of symptoms. Chronic (ongoing) exposure of the oesophagus to gastric juices can lead to: – a premalignant condition of the lower lining of the oesophagus. Barrett’s oesophagus is a risk factor for cancer of the lower oesophagus.

If you have experienced long-term reflux (for five years or more), talk to your about testing for Barret’s oesophagus. You can reduce your risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease by: giving up smoking.

Talk to your GP (doctor) about which strategies may work best for you

Need treatment today? Need treatment today, but it’s not life-threatening and you can’t get a GP appointment, there are services available: – provide care for conditions that require treatment today but not an emergency response (extended hours) Tel. About indigestion Causes of heartburn eating a large meal eating a large meal and then doing some kind of physical activity, like lifting or bending too much coffee or alcohol anxiety , which can make the stomach ‘churn’ advanced pregnancy Treatment for heartburn Heartburn in overweight people Persistent heartburn can be caused by obesity.

The extra fat inside the abdominal Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease hiatus hernia – part of the stomach is pushed up through the diaphragm and stays there dietary factors – dietary fats , chocolate, alcohol and coffee may provoke heartburn because of their effect on the sphincter cigarettes – giving up smoking Complications of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease oesophagitis – inflammation of the oesophagus ulceration – with bleeding , scarring and stricture (narrowing) of the oesophagus Barrett’s oesophagus doctor Reducing your risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease losing weight , if necessary trying not to increase abdominal pressure through bending or lifting raising the head of your bed to avoid reflux while sleeping making dietary changes Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Your pharmacist Urgent Care Clinics Nurse-on-Call (616) 555-0024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days) Emergency care In an emergency, always call 911 Emergency department of your nearest hospital.

Key Points

  • Occasional heartburn can be caused by: , when the womb pushes up against the stomach
  • Usually, taking an antacid and waiting is all the treatment needed for heartburn in healthy people
  • Weight loss may reduce the symptoms
  • Barrett’s oesophagus is a risk factor for cancer of the lower oesophagus
  • You can reduce your risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease by: giving up smoking