Acid Reflux and Heartburn

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, the tube to the stomach. Acid reflux symptoms include heartburn, a burning feeling in the chest, and a sour taste in the mouth. Reflux that happens often is called GERD.

What Is It

A muscle at the bottom of the esophagus normally keeps acid in the stomach. Large meals, lying down after eating, spicy or fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, smoking, extra weight, and pregnancy can let acid back up. Heartburn is common and usually not serious, but chest pain should never be assumed to be heartburn.

Symptoms

Burning in the chest after eating or at night
A sour or bitter taste in the mouth
Food or liquid coming back up
Burping and bloating
A cough or hoarse voice
Feeling of a lump in the throat

Not sure it’s heartburn? Chest discomfort that is not linked to meals may have another cause and should be checked. Upper belly pain after fatty meals may be the gallbladder, covered under abdominal pain.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider reviews your symptoms and may check your heart when chest discomfort is part of the picture. Treatment usually starts with acid reducing medicine and diet changes. Reflux that does not improve may need a specialist.

At home:

Eat smaller meals and stop eating 3 hours before bed
Raise the head of your bed 6 inches
Limit spicy and fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, and chocolate
Use over the counter antacids as directed

Most heartburn improves within days of lifestyle changes and medicine.

When to Get Care for Acid Reflux

Watch at Home

Occasional heartburn after a big meal
Relief with over the counter antacids

Come to Urgent Care Today

Heartburn more than twice a week
Symptoms not helped by over the counter medicine
Trouble or pain when swallowing
Heartburn with a lasting cough or hoarse voice
Vomiting or weight loss without trying

Go to the Emergency Department

Chest pain or pressure, especially with sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath
Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, or back
Vomiting blood or material like coffee grounds
Black or tarry stool

FAQ

What does acid reflux feel like?

Acid reflux feels like a burning in the chest or throat, often after eating or when lying down, with a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.

How do I know if it’s heartburn or a heart attack?

Heartburn usually burns after eating and eases with antacids. Chest pressure with sweating, shortness of breath, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw may be a heart attack. Call 911.

What foods trigger acid reflux?

Common acid reflux triggers include spicy and fatty foods, citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, mint, coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.

What helps acid reflux at night?

Raising the head of your bed, not eating within 3 hours of bedtime, and sleeping on your left side help acid reflux at night.

Can urgent care treat acid reflux?

Yes, urgent care can treat acid reflux. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can review your symptoms, check for other causes of chest discomfort, and discuss treatment.

When is heartburn an emergency?

Heartburn is an emergency when it comes with chest pressure, sweating, shortness of breath, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw, or with vomiting blood.

Last reviewed October 2026