How Do I Know If I Have Heartburn?

Frequent heartburn - defined as occurring two or more days a week – is a burning discomfort in the chest or throat that occurs when harsh stomach acid comes in contact with the delicate lining of the esophagus, irritating it.

Heartburn affects different people in different ways. But the symptoms of heartburn are generally described as:

• A burning pain that begins in the chest or at the breastbone and moves up toward the throat.
• A feeling that food is coming back into the mouth.
• An acidic or bitter taste at the back of the throat.
• An increase in severity of pain when you’re lying down or bending over.
• Pain that usually comes after meals.
  
  

It’s important to note there are some similarities between heartburn and heart attack symptoms. If you have any chest pain that lasts for more than a few minutes or any warning signs of a heart attack (for example, pain spreading to arms, neck or shoulders with shortness of breath; sweating; light-headedness), seek immediate medical attention.