A bald man eating pizza happily.

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 IS REALLY HAPPENING IN YOUR THROAT

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.

A woman touches her throat — an illustrated overlay of the esophagus emphasizes where heartburn occurs.

THIS IS WHAT HEARTBURN FEELS LIKE

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

HEARTBURN AND PREGNANCY

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.

HEARTBURN VS. ACID REFLUX VS. GERD

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

THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT TRIGGER HEARTBURN

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.

Food triggers

   Fried or fatty foods

   Onions, garlic, and other spicy foods

   Acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomato products

   Chocolate

   Mints

   Coffee and other caffeinated beverages

   Carbonated drinks

Medication triggers*

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.

LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR AVOIDING HEARTBURN

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.

TIPS TO AVOID HEARTBURN

  • 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.
A woman clutching her chest, visually experiencing heartburn.

IS IT HEARTBURN? OR A HEART ATTACK?

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. 

ROLAIDS® IS HERE TO HELP

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.

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