Primary Care
Self-Care Tips | Heartburn
Back to Self-Care Tips
Heartburn is a feeling of burning, warmth, or pain in the chest area. It may be accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
Symptoms of heartburn
- A burning feeling in the chest, just below the breastbone or ribs, that occurs after eating
- Chest pain when eating, bending over, or lying down
- A burning feeling in the throat
- Sour, acidic or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat
- Feeling of food sticking in the middle of the throat or chest
- A chronic cough, sore throat or hoarseness
What you can do to avoid heartburn
- Avoid foods that cause heartburn, including alcohol, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeinated drinks, fatty foods, onions, spicy foods, and tomato products
- Don't overeat
- Eat slowly
- Don't wear tight-fitting clothing or belts
- Don't lie down immediately after eating
When to call your primary care provider
- Trouble swallowing
- Painful swallowing
- Bloody or black stools
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness, lightheadedness
- Pain going into your neck and shoulder
- Chest pain followed by sweating
- Heartburn occurring more than three times a week over a two-week period
The symptoms of heartburn are often similar to those of a heart attack. If you think you may be having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
Back to Self-Care Tips