What is Heartburn? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

If you've ever felt a burning sensation rising from your stomach to your chest after a meal — especially after spicy samosas or oily biryani — you're not alone. Millions of Indians experience heartburn every day, but most just brush it off, thinking it's a normal part of life. The truth is, frequent heartburn may signal an underlying issue that shouldn't be ignored.

Heartburn isn’t actually related to your heart. It’s a digestive problem that can be annoying, uncomfortable, and sometimes even dangerous if left untreated. In this article, we’ll dive into what heartburn really is, what causes it, how it shows up in your body, and most importantly — how to deal with it effectively. From desi remedies to modern treatments, we’ve got you covered.

Understanding Heartburn

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a common condition that happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus — the tube connecting your mouth and stomach. It causes a burning feeling in your chest, usually after eating or when lying down.

Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with your heart. However, the discomfort can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, especially for those unfamiliar with it. In India, with our love for spicy and fried food, heartburn is a household issue. You might notice it more after eating rich gravies, street food, or late-night snacks.

What is Heartburn From?

So, what exactly causes this acid to move where it shouldn’t?

The culprit is often a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — a ring of muscle that normally keeps stomach contents in their place. When this muscle relaxes at the wrong time, acid sneaks into the esophagus and causes irritation.

In India, some common triggers include:

• Spicy foods (hello, mirchi!)

• Oily and deep-fried dishes

• Citrus fruits and tomatoes

• Overeating or lying down too soon after a meal

• Tea, coffee, and even some carbonated drinks

Smoking and stress (yes, that too) can also weaken the LES, making things worse.

What is Heartburn During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey — but it comes with its fair share of discomforts. Heartburn is one of the most common complaints among expecting mothers, especially in the second and third trimesters.

Why? Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause the LES to relax, and as the uterus expands, it pushes against the stomach, increasing the chances of acid reflux.

Some Indian women try to avoid taking medicine during pregnancy, which is understandable. But simple remedies like sipping cold milk, eating smaller meals, or avoiding spicy curries at night can really help.

However, if the burning persists or becomes painful, it’s best to consult a doctor. Some antacids are considered safe, but never self-medicate — your gynae knows best.

Symptoms of Heartburn

What Does a Heartburn Feel Like?

Imagine eating a delicious plate of chole bhature, and just when you’re ready to relax, a hot, burning feeling creeps up your chest. That’s heartburn.

It often feels like:

• A sharp, burning sensation behind the breastbone

• Pain that may move up toward the throat

• A sour or bitter taste in the mouth

• Discomfort that worsens when you lie down or bend over

Some people even describe it as a tightening feeling in their chest. It can be scary, especially if you’re not sure what’s happening. And honestly, it’s easy to confuse with a heart attack if you've never experienced it before.

What Are the 7 Symptoms of Heartburn?

Not everyone has the same symptoms, but these are the 7 most common signs:

1. Burning sensation in chest (especially after meals)

2. Sour taste in your mouth

3. Pain that gets worse when lying flat or at night

4. Nausea after eating

5. Regurgitation of food or liquid

6. Difficulty swallowing (feels like food is stuck)

7. Persistent cough or throat irritation

If you’re noticing these symptoms more than twice a week, it might be a sign of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), a chronic form of acid reflux.

How to Make Heartburn Go Away?

So the million-rupee question: how do you get rid of heartburn?

Well, first things first — try to figure out what triggered it. Was it that extra plate of paneer tikka? Or maybe those three cups of chai?

Here are some quick fixes you can try at home:

• Chew gum after meals: It increases saliva production and helps neutralize acid.

• Cold milk: A small glass can soothe the lining of your stomach.

• Don’t lie down right after eating: Wait at least 2–3 hours.

• Wear loose clothes: Tight jeans or sarees can add pressure on your stomach.

• Try OTC antacids: Available at most pharmacies across India (like Gelusil, Digene etc.)

But remember, these are just temporary relief methods. If heartburn is a frequent visitor, you’ll need to make some lifestyle changes.

What is Good for Indigestion and Heartburn?

There’s no shortage of home remedies in Indian households — grandma’s wisdom often saves the day. Here are a few tried-and-tested ideas:

• Ajwain (carom seeds): Chew a pinch with warm water to relieve bloating and acid.

• Jeera water (cumin infusion): Boil cumin seeds in water and sip it slowly.

• Fennel seeds (saunf): Great after meals for digestion and to reduce acidity.

• Bananas and cold dahi (curd): Both can help soothe the stomach lining.

• Ginger tea: Just don’t add milk or sugar — it should be light and soothing.

Some people also try aloe vera juice or tulsi leaves, but make sure you're not allergic to these. And don’t overdo the home remedies — more isn’t always better, okay?

Preventing Heartburn Before It Starts

They say prevention is better than cure, and that’s especially true when it comes to heartburn. A few small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference.

Lifestyle and Diet Tips

• Eat smaller meals more frequently instead of large ones.

• Avoid lying down right after eating — let gravity help digestion.

• Cut down on oily and spicy food, or at least don’t overindulge (we know, it’s hard).

• Limit caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcohol.

• Lose weight if you're overweight — even a few kilos can help reduce pressure on your stomach.

• Quit smoking, or try to cut back — nicotine weakens the LES.

• Sleep with your head elevated slightly to stop acid from creeping up at night.

Make a food diary. Seriously. Write down what you eat and when the symptoms start — it’ll help you identify triggers. Everyone's body reacts differently.

Heartburn Prevention During Pregnancy

Pregnant women need to be extra careful, but don’t worry — a few gentle tweaks can go a long way:

• Eat small, bland meals throughout the day.

• Avoid spicy or acidic foods (we're looking at you, imli chutney).

• Stay upright after eating.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothes.

• Sip cold milk or have a bit of yogurt to soothe the burn.

Again, consult your gynaecologist before taking anything — even OTC meds. Not everything that works for heartburn is safe during pregnancy.

When to See a Doctor

Okay, so when is it just “normal acidity” — and when is it serious?

See a doctor if:

• You experience heartburn more than twice a week.

• Over-the-counter meds aren’t working anymore.

• You have trouble swallowing, chest pain, or vomiting.

• Your sleep is disrupted regularly due to acid reflux.

• You lose weight unexpectedly (without trying).

These might be signs of GERD, ulcers, or even more serious conditions like Barrett’s esophagus. Don’t Google your symptoms endlessly — just go see your doc.

FAQs

What does a heartburn feel like?

It’s a burning feeling in your chest, often after eating or at night. Some describe it like fire rising in your throat — not fun.

What are the 7 symptoms of heartburn?

Burning chest, bitter taste, nausea, pain lying down, throat irritation, difficulty swallowing, and a chronic cough. All unpleasant!

What is the reason for heartburn?

Stomach acid moving into your esophagus due to a weak valve (LES). Triggers include spicy foods, stress, and late-night meals.

How to make heartburn go away?

Drink cold milk, chew gum, avoid lying down after food, or try an OTC antacid like Digene. But if it keeps happening, go to a doctor.

Conclusion

Heartburn is common — but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Whether it's caused by your favorite masala dosa or just stress from a hectic workday, understanding your symptoms and knowing how to manage them is key.

With a mix of smart food choices, simple home remedies, and a little medical help when needed, you can keep heartburn in check and enjoy your meals without fear.

So go ahead — eat that paneer curry... just maybe not at midnight 😉

If this article helped you, share it with your family or friends. Who knows, maybe your uncle with "gas trouble" will thank you later!