Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest which is caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux).
The main symptoms of heartburn are:-
- A burning sensation in the middle of the chest
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
Less commons symptoms can include:-
- Cough or hiccups that keep coming back
- A hoarse voice
- Bad breath
- Bloating and feeling sick
Symptoms can become worse after eating, when laid down and when bending over.
Heartburn can occur for many reasons and can include:-
- Eating certain food and drink such as coffee, alcohol, chocolate, fatty and spicy foods
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Stress and anxiety
- Some medicines
- A hiatus hernia