Is it Heartburn or Something Else?

That burning feeling in your chest after a meal is often dismissed as simple heartburn, but sometimes it can signal something more serious. Conditions like GERD, angina, heart attacks, gallstones, ulcers and hiatal hernias can feel similar. Learning to tell them apart can help you know when to try simple changes at home and when to call your doctor.

Heartburn

Heartburn happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. It causes a burning or warm sensation behind the breastbone that may rise into the neck or throat. It often appears after eating or when lying down. Standing upright or taking an antacid usually helps. Even though it is called “heartburn,” it has nothing to do with your heart.

• Burning in the chest after eating
• Worse when lying down or bending over
• Sour or acidic taste in the mouth
• Occasional cough or throat irritation

If heartburn happens more than twice a week, it may be a sign of GERD.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a long-term form of acid reflux that can damage the lining of the esophagus. It happens when the muscle that keeps acid in the stomach becomes weak or relaxed. GERD can make eating and sleeping uncomfortable and may cause lasting irritation if not treated.

• Frequent heartburn, especially after meals or at night
• Sour or bitter liquid backing up into the throat
• Trouble swallowing or feeling like food is stuck
• Dry cough, hoarse voice or sore throat

If symptoms happen often, talk to your doctor. Treatment can protect the esophagus and improve your quality of life.

Angina

Angina is chest discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It can feel like pressure or squeezing and may spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back. It often starts with activity or stress and eases with rest.

• Pressure, tightness or squeezing in the chest
• Pain that spreads to the upper body
• Shortness of breath or fatigue

If you have new chest pain or discomfort, seek medical attention right away to rule out heart problems.

Heart Attack

A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked. It is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment.

• Chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

If you think you may be having a heart attack, call 911 right away.

Gallstones

Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder. They can block the flow of bile and cause pain that may feel like heartburn, but it usually happens in the upper right side of the abdomen or the center just below the breastbone.

• Sudden, steady pain in the upper abdomen
• Pain that moves to the right shoulder or back
• Nausea or vomiting

Pain from gallstones often starts at night and does not improve with antacids. Seek care if pain is severe or if your skin or eyes turn yellow.

Indigestion (Dyspepsia)

Indigestion describes discomfort in the upper abdomen, including fullness, bloating, burping or mild burning. It often happens after large, fatty or spicy meals and may be triggered by stress.

• Upper abdominal discomfort or pressure
• Bloating, burping or mild nausea
• Discomfort that improves as food digests

Ulcers

Ulcers are sores that form in the stomach or upper small intestine. The pain is often a dull or burning ache in the middle of the abdomen. Unlike heartburn, it usually does not move up into the throat and may improve after eating.

• Mid-abdominal pain that may improve with food
• Nausea or bloating
• Pain that returns when the stomach is empty

See your doctor if you have ongoing pain. Sudden severe pain, black stools or blood in vomit require urgent care.

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia happens when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm. Many people have no symptoms, but some notice reflux or heartburn. Large hernias can cause chest or abdominal discomfort and may require treatment.

• Heartburn or regurgitation
• Chest or upper abdominal pain
• Feeling full or bloated

When to See a Doctor

It's worth booking a visit if heartburn is happening more than twice a week or if symptoms are interfering with your sleep or eating. The same goes if over-the-counter medicine is not helping. And if you are losing weight without trying, vomiting or noticing black stools, see your doctor promptly since those can point to something that needs a closer look.

When to Call 911

Some symptoms are too serious to wait on. Call 911 right away if you notice any of these:

• Chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating or nausea
• Pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw or back
• Chest discomfort that does not improve with rest

It is always safer to be checked and told it was nothing than to wait too long.

Simple Self-Care Tips

A few small changes often make a real difference. Eat smaller meals and avoid lying down right after eating, and try limiting fatty, fried or spicy foods along with alcohol and tobacco. If symptoms tend to flare at night, raising the head of your bed can help. Over-the-counter antacids are fine to use as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Care at the Broward Health Heartburn Center

If you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, the Broward Health Heartburn Center can help. Our team provides complete evaluations and advanced treatments to relieve discomfort and protect your health.

Visit the Heartburn Center or call 954-344-3000 to learn more.

This information is for education only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have urgent symptoms, call 911.