Symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux may include:
Burning sensation in the chest and throat (heartburn)
Regurgitation of food or stomach acid into the mouth or throat
Bitter or sour taste in the mouth
Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of food stuck in the throat
Nausea or vomiting
Chronic cough or hoarseness
Red flags that may indicate a more serious condition include:
Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
Chest pain or pressure
Unexplained weight loss
Anemia or blood in the stool
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Treatment for heartburn and acid reflux typically involves lifestyle changes and medications to reduce stomach acid production.
Avoiding trigger foods such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods
Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals
Not lying down for at least 2-3 hours after eating
Elevating the head of the bed 6-8 inches to prevent acid from flowing back up into the esophagus
Quitting smoking
Losing weight if overweight or obese
