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  • Heartburn

    Heartburn & Nexium 24HR FAQ

General Heartburn Questions

  • What is heartburn?

    Heartburn is a symptom of gastro-oesophageal reflux and can cause a burning pain in the chest rising up to the throat. Heartburn is caused by food and acid from the stomach washing back into the oesophagus that can also result in an unpleasant sour taste (acid regurgitation)1.

  • What is frequent heartburn?

    Heartburn that occurs two or more times per week.

  • What is the difference between heartburn & acid reflux?

    When food and acid from the stomach contents wash back up into the oesophagus, this is called acid reflux. Heartburn is the most common name for the burning pain in the chest rising up to the throat that you feel when this happens.

  • Why does heartburn get worse at night?

    Heartburn is caused by stomach acid rising up into the oesophagus. When you lie down in bed, this can make it easier for acid to escape the stomach and to irritate the oesophagus lining, causing a burning pain in the chest rising up to the throat.

  • Are there certain foods that cause heartburn?

    Not everyone has the same heartburn triggers. Some people find that spicy or acidic food brings on their alcohol, while others have alcohol or fizzy drinks as a trigger. Other possibilities are rich or fatty foods, like chocolate. And simply eating a large meal or eating late at night can be a cause.

References:

  1. GORD entry on Health Direct (www.healthdirect.gov.au/gord-reflux accessed 24Feb2017)