21st February 2025

Your Questions Answered About Heartburn and Indigestion

If you’ve ever experienced that uncomfortable, burning sensation in your chest or abdomen after a meal, you’re not alone. These symptoms affect millions of people each day. While the terms ‘heartburn’ and ‘indigestion’ are often used interchangeably, they’re not quite the same thing, though they’re both common symptoms of acid reflux.1,2

And while not usually dangerous, they can be frustrating and painful conditions. But what exactly are they, what causes them, and what can you do about them?

Q: What’s the difference between heartburn and indigestion?

Indigestion and heartburn are similar and have similar causes and treatments, but heartburn affects your chest and oesophagus, while indigestion (also called dyspepsia) affects your lower abdomen.2

Heartburn feels like a burning pain or discomfort in your chest after eating or when lying down. It can also cause regurgitation, when stomach acid and other stomach contents come back up into the throat and mouth, causing an unpleasant, sour taste.1 Sometimes people suffering with heartburn feel like they have a lump in their throat and may have difficulty swallowing.

The burning pain of indigestion feels similar to heartburn, but the discomfort is in the abdomen rather than the chest. You can experience both heartburn and indigestion at the same time.2

Q: How do I tell the difference between heartburn and a heart attack?

The symptoms of severe heartburn can be similar to those of a heart attack and heartburn itself can accompany other symptoms of a heart attack.3

You should call triple zero (000) immediately for an ambulance if your chest pain is severe, getting worse, or has lasted for 10 minutes.1

The signs and symptoms of a heart attack vary greatly from person to person, but typically include:3

Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes

Shortness of breath

Pain in the jaw, arm, back, neck, or stomach

Sudden sweating

Nausea

Cold sweat

Fatigue

Lightheadedness and dizziness.

If unsure, it’s always best to seek immediate medical attention.

Q: What causes heartburn and indigestion?

Heartburn and indigestion are both common symptoms of acid reflux, which happens when stomach acid flows back into your oesophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach). Normally, a small muscle called the lower oesophageal sphincter acts as a gate, preventing stomach contents from travelling upward. But if this muscle weakens or relaxes abnormally, acid from your stomach can escape into the oesophagus, causing irritation and an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) or abdomen (indigestion).1,2

Although some people seem to get it no matter what they eat or drink, there are some common food and drink triggers for heartburn and indigestion. These include eating too fast, large meals, fatty or spicy foods, coffee, fizzy drinks, citrus fruits, tomato products, alcohol, chocolate, and peppermint. Smoking can also be a trigger for heartburn.1,2

Indigestion can sometimes be caused by an underlying gastrointestinal disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, gallbladder disease, or peptic ulcers, among others.2

Q: Who is most at risk of heartburn and indigestion?

Several factors can increase the risk and severity of heartburn or indigestion, such as being overweight, some types of weight loss surgery, women in advanced pregnancy (when the womb pushes up against the stomach), having a hiatus hernia, certain medicines (your local IPA Pharmacist or your Doctor will be able to advise on which ones), exercising too soon after eating, and lying down too soon after eating.1,2

Q: Is GORD the same as heartburn?

Many of us get heartburn or indigestion due to acid reflux from time to time. But when acid reflux occurs more than twice a week, it’s called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or GORD.

Apart from the typical symptoms of heartburn, there can be additional symptoms of GORD, such as vomiting, a persistent cough or wheezing, tooth decay, bloating, belching, bad breath, or laryngitis (inflammation of the voice box).

Over time, GORD can lead to more serious health problems, including oesophageal cancer, impacting wellbeing and quality of life.4

Q: How can I prevent heartburn and indigestion?

Preventing heartburn and indigestion can often be as simple as making some lifestyle changes, unless there’s some other underlying condition or cause. Here are some tips:1,2

Watch what you eat: Try to avoid foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms. Eat smaller, more frequent meals and chew your food thoroughly.

Stay upright after meals: Don’t lie down for at least two to three hours after eating to avoid stomach acid moving up into your oesophagus.

Elevate your head while sleeping: If you suffer from nighttime heartburn, try elevating the head of your bed in a safe manner by 15 to 20 centimetres. Gravity can help prevent acid from flowing back into your oesophagus.

Maintain a healthy weight: Extra fat in the abdominal wall reduces the space for the stomach and small intestine, so that any extra pressure, like bending over, forces the stomach contents up into the oesophagus.

Reduce alcohol consumption: Alcohol can affect the proper functioning of the oesophageal sphincter.

Quit smoking: Smoking weakens the lower oesophageal sphincter, making it easier for acid to flow back into the oesophagus.

Q: Do over-the-counter treatments for heartburn and indigestion help?

There are a variety of over-the-counter medications you can pick up at your local IPA Pharmacy that may help manage your symptoms. These include:1,2

Antacids: Antacids, like sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, work by neutralizing stomach acid and may provide quick, short-term relief.

H2 blockers: Histamine receptor antagonists (called H2 blockers) reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. They take longer to work than antacids but provide longer relief and may be recommended for people who can’t take proton pump inhibitors.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs are stronger than H2 blockers and work by blocking the production of stomach acid. They’re generally used for more frequent heartburn or GORD.

You should consult your IPA Pharmacist or your doctor before starting any medication, especially if you’re using these drugs frequently, or are also taking other medications.

Q. When should I see a doctor about acid reflux or heartburn?

Occasional heartburn isn’t usually a cause for too much concern, but if you find yourself experiencing heartburn more than twice a week, or if it’s interfering with your quality of life, it’s time to see a doctor.

And if your symptoms are severe, get worse, or are persistent, which could indicate GORD, you should definitely seek medical help.

Also, if you experience any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right away:1,4

Chest pain, especially if it radiates to your arm, neck, or jaw (this could be a sign of a heart attack rather than heartburn)

Pain or difficulty in swallowing

Unexplained weight loss

Vomiting blood or seeing blood in your stool.

Q. Can certain foods help with acid reflux?

Yes, you can reduce your risk or lessen the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion by building your meals around high fibre and naturally low-acid foods, like:5,6

Oatmeal: Fibre is a good digestive aid and absorbs liquid in the digestive system. Oatmeal is a great source of fibre so can help absorb stomach acid.

Bananas and melons: These are low in acid and can help coat the lining of your oesophagus.

Lean meats: Chicken, turkey, and fish are less likely to trigger reflux than fattier cuts of meat.

Green vegetables: Non-acidic vegetables like broccoli, green beans, and cucumbers are generally safe choices.

Whole-grain breads: Breads made with unprocessed grains that haven’t been stripped of natural fibre, vitamins, and other nutrients can help.

Rice, potatoes, and couscous: These healthy complex carbs are great if you have acid reflux. Try brown rice, which has more fibre than more processed white rice.

Fish: Grilled, poached, and baked fish are good choices to help with heartburn and indigestion. Avoid frying it and don’t use fatty sauces.

Egg whites: The whites of eggs are a good source of protein and are low in acid. Just skip the yolk, which is more likely to cause symptoms.

Ginger: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that many people use to help calm the stomach. But be careful—while small quantities of ginger may help, some people find it triggers their heartburn or indigestion. Try just a little the first time to see if it works for you.

Non-acidic drinks: Herbal teas, plant-based milks, and carrot or other non-acidic vegetable juices can be good choices.

Final Thoughts

Acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion can be uncomfortable, but they’re manageable for most people with the right strategies. Your local IPA Pharmacist and their team are there to help you with personalised advice. Together, we can help you feel at your best—one meal at a time!

Who are IPA Pharmacists?

IPA Pharmacists are part of Australia’s largest network of independent pharmacies. They offer personalised healthcare and expertise in medicines. They specialise in various health aspects, such as sleep and diabetes, and are dedicated to supporting your wellness journey. With a network of over 1,100 pharmacies and growing, an IPA pharmacy near you is ready to provide exceptional advice, services, and products to enhance your health outcomes.

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Important Information

The information provided on this website is shared in good faith for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any specific treatment, product, or service, nor is it a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding matters related to your health, wellbeing, or other personal concerns. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information, we cannot accept responsibility for any injury, loss, damage, or consequences resulting from its use