Heartburn often feels like a burning sensation in the upper stomach that can move upward into the chest or throat. It may also cause a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, a feeling of fullness, or food coming back up toward the mouth.
Other symptoms of heartburn can include indigestion, bloating, and frequent burping. In more severe cases, stomach acid may irritate the throat and upper airways, leading to cough, sore throat, hoarseness, or a feeling of a lump in the throat.
Symptoms may improve by eating smaller meals at regular times, avoiding fatty, acidic, heavily seasoned, or spicy foods, and waiting 2 to 3 hours after eating before lying down. Raising the head of the bed, avoiding tight clothing, and exercising regularly may also help. Check out other ways to relieve heartburn that you can try at home.
Antacids and acid-reducing heartburn medicines can relieve symptoms, but they may not treat the underlying cause and should not be used frequently without medical advice. Frequent or persistent heartburn should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist or primary care doctor.