Symptoms and triggers of heartburn

HERE’S WHAT “HEARTBURN” MEANS

One minute you’re enjoying good food and good times with family and friends, and the next you’re feeling that familiar, burning sensation rising in your chest.

Heartburn, and its related conditions acid indigestion, acid reflux and GERD* (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), occur when stomach acid enters the esophagus.

It’s worthwhile to know the difference between heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD. More importantly, knowing the triggers and symptoms of heartburn — and how to avoid them. And, of course, how Rolaids® helps provides powerful, rapid relief of heartburn.

Heartburn is perfectly named, because it’s a burning sensation that you feel right in the chest. Normally, you swallow food, it travels down the esophagus to the stomach, and acid breaks it down. But when stomach acid travels back up into the esophagus, you can get that terrible burning feeling.

Typical symptoms and characteristics of heartburn

• Burning sensation in the upper abdomen
  
• Sour, bitter taste in back of throat
  
• Usually occurs after a meal
  
• Symptoms get worse after lying down or bending over

More than half of all pregnant women experience heartburn, often due to changing hormone levels and/or pressure on the stomach from the growing uterus. Symptoms usually disappear after the baby is born.

If you experience heartburn symptoms while pregnant, consult with your healthcare professional first and ask if Rolaids® can help.

People sometimes confuse occasional heartburn with acid reflux and GERD because some symptoms may be similar.

Heartburn is a common symptom that typically isn’t serious. Acid reflux and GERD may be more severe and frequent—occurring at least twice a week.

If you have heartburn symptoms that persist more than two weeks, make an appointment to see your healthcare professional.

Be sure to consult your physician if you experience the following:

• Heartburn that returns as soon as your antacid wears off
  
• Heartburn that often wakes you up at night
  
• Difficulty swallowing
  
• Spitting up blood
  
• Black stools
  
• Weight loss

Heartburn is usually an unforced error. When you eat lots of spicy, hard-to-digest foods and beverages, or a lot of food all at once, your stomach produces more acid to digest them. When that acid backs up into the esophagus, you get heartburn.

When what you eat triggers heartburn, remember Rolaids® provides relief.

Lifestyle triggers

• Being overweight
  
• Eating too much or too quickly
  
• Lying down or bending over after eating
  
• Drinking alcohol
  
• Smoking cigarettes
  

*Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs, so ask your doctor or a pharmacist before using Rolaids® if you are taking any prescription medication.

To avoid heartburn, start by avoiding the foods, beverages, and activities that tend to affect you. Try making a list so you remember the foods and other things that trigger your heartburn. Of course, there will be times when you just can’t resist a spicy chili dog or a second helping of gumbo. And if you do get heartburn, with Rolaids® you’ll be ready.

• Wear loose-fitting clothes. Tight clothes put pressure on the abdomen and may push stomach acid back up into the esophagus.
  
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals, so your stomach doesn't get too full. An overstuffed stomach can produce more acid.
  
• Don’t lie down after eating. When you get horizontal, stomach acid may flow back into the esophagus.
  
• Raise the head of your bed. Extra pillows alone may not help. The important thing is getting your upper body higher than your stomach.
  
• Some medication including prescription and over-the-counter can cause heartburn.† Speak to your healthcare professional about options.
  
• Watch your weight. Excess weight can sometimes make symptoms worse. If you are overweight, check with your healthcare professional to determine a safe weight loss plan.
  
  

Learn more about lifestyle and heartburn

To compare, here are the typical signs and symptoms of a heart attack:

• Chest pain and discomfort that includes pressure, fullness, tightness, and an aching or squeezing sensation
  
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, shoulder, back, neck, or jaw
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Breaking into a cold sweat
  
• Fatigue
  
• Nausea, indigestion, vomiting, abdominal pain, or heartburn
  
• Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
  
  

IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE SOURCE OF YOUR PAIN, OR EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH A HEART ATTACK, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

Fortunately, the two active ingredients in Rolaids® — calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide — deliver effective, rapid relief for your heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion and upset stomach associated with these symptoms.

†Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs, so ask your doctor or a pharmacist before using Rolaids® if you are taking any prescription medication.

*Ask a doctor or a pharmacist before use if you are now taking a prescription drug. Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs.