You finish dinner, and there it is again: that familiar burning in your chest or throat. When heartburn keeps returning, you can’t help but start to notice certain habits, foods and drinks that may be behind it.
Joseph Kim, MD, a gastroenterologist and medical director at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney, says recording these details and sharing them with your health care provider can be a good first step in finding lasting relief.
“Heartburn can feel different from one person to another. Some people notice burning in the chest, while others describe a lump or tingling in the throat,” Dr. Kim said. “Listening to the patient’s experience is an important part of understanding what may be causing the symptoms.”
He recommends using your phone to make some simple notes: when symptoms started, recent foods and drinks, what time you lay down, other symptoms you notice, your efforts to find relief and any effect on sleep or daily activities. In short, track the circumstances, not just the food.
Heartburn vs. acid reflux: What’s the difference?
Heartburn is not quite the same thing as acid reflux. In fact, it’s a common symptom of acid reflux, which occurs when stomach contents come back up into the esophagus, resulting in a burning or other uncomfortable sensation in the chest or throat.
But acid reflux may also cause other symptoms such as a sour taste in the mouth, burping, nausea, coughing, hoarseness or regurgitation. Chronic reflux that causes ongoing problems may be diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
Why does heartburn keep coming back?
Recurring heartburn may be connected to meal size and timing, physical activity, personal food and drink triggers, and other factors. That’s why it’s important to carefully think about the full pattern: Did symptoms start after a large or late meal, a particular food, exercise or lying down? Are they becoming more frequent?
“When heartburn keeps returning, I ask about the patient’s diet, recent weight changes, physical activity, meal timing and how soon they lie down after eating,” Dr. Kim said. “Looking at those everyday patterns can help us better understand what may be contributing to the symptoms.”
Why do I get heartburn after eating?
Reflux can occur when the valve between the esophagus and stomach relaxes at the wrong time or becomes weakened, allowing stomach contents to move upward. Large meals may make symptoms more noticeable, but there’s no universal trigger list.
“Try removing one possible trigger at a time, then slowly reintroduce it and pay attention to how your body responds,” Dr. Kim said.
Why is my heartburn worse at night?
Meal timing and body position may contribute to nighttime symptoms. That’s why it’s important to wait at least two hours after eating before lying down, especially if you notice that symptoms follow a late meal, begin after getting into bed or wake you during the night.
When should I talk to a doctor?
While occasional heartburn may improve with changes to your routine, diet or over-the-counter remedies like antacids, it’s time to talk to your doctor or gastroenterologist if it:
Happens more than twice a week.
Doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medication.
Frequently causes nausea or affects your appetite or ability to eat.
Is accompanied by difficulty or pain with swallowing.
Dr. Kim cautions against using at-home remedies for more than occasional relief.
“The warnings on heartburn medications about using them longer than directed are there for a reason. If your symptoms continue, talk with your doctor rather than relying on these medications to manage them,” Dr. Kim said.
Your doctor can review your symptoms, health history and medications, and decide whether testing for a digestive health condition or further evaluation is appropriate.
Need help with your heartburn?
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney has been named a 2027 Healthgrades Gastrointestinal Care Excellence Award winner. To get your GI tract back on track, schedule an appointment with a digestive disease specialist who can help with chronic heartburn and other digestive issues.
When should I talk to a doctor about my heartburn?
Occasional heartburn may improve with changes to your routine, diet or over-the-counter remedies like antacids. However, you should talk to your doctor or gastroenterologist if your heartburn happens more than twice a week, or if it does not improve with over-the-counter medication.
You should also consult a doctor if your heartburn frequently causes nausea, affects your appetite or ability to eat, or is accompanied by difficulty or pain with swallowing.
Additionally, Dr. Joseph Kim cautions against using at-home remedies for more than occasional relief. If your symptoms continue, you should talk with your doctor rather than relying on heartburn medications longer than directed.
What is the difference between heartburn and acid reflux?
Heartburn and acid reflux are not the exact same thing. Heartburn is actually a common symptom of acid reflux, which happens when the contents of the stomach move back up into the esophagus and cause a burning or uncomfortable sensation in the chest or throat.
Acid reflux can also cause several other symptoms besides heartburn. These other symptoms include a sour taste in the mouth, burping, nausea, coughing, hoarseness or regurgitation.
What details should I record on my phone to share with my health care provider?
Dr. Kim recommends using your phone to make simple notes about the circumstances surrounding your symptoms, rather than just tracking the food you eat.
Specifically, you should record when your symptoms started, recent foods and drinks, what time you lay down and any other symptoms you notice. You should also note your efforts to find relief and any effect the symptoms have on your sleep or daily activities.