Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid coming back up. Indigestion is discomfort or bloating after eating. Both are common and usually easy to treat.
For occasional heartburn
- Fast relief – antacids such as Rennie neutralise acid quickly.
- Longer-lasting protection – Gaviscon Double Action or Gaviscon Advance form a protective layer that stops acid rising, useful after meals and at night.
- Bloating and wind – Rennie Deflatine.
For frequent heartburn
If you have heartburn two or more days a week, Nexium Control reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes. It is a pharmacy medicine for adults, taken as a 14-day course; our pharmacist will ask a few quick questions first.
Lifestyle changes that help
- Eat smaller meals and avoid eating 3 hours before bed.
- Cut down on alcohol, coffee, fatty and spicy food.
- Raise the head of your bed slightly.
- Stop smoking and keep to a healthy weight.
When to see a GP
See a GP urgently if you have difficulty swallowing, weight loss, vomiting blood or black stools. Also see a GP if you are over 55 with new or persistent symptoms, or if heartburn continues after a 14-day course.
Frequently asked questions
What works fastest for heartburn?
Antacids such as Rennie usually work within minutes.
Can I take Gaviscon and Rennie together?
They are usually not taken at the same time. Ask a pharmacist which suits you.
Is Nexium Control the same as omeprazole?
Both are proton pump inhibitors that reduce stomach acid; Nexium Control contains esomeprazole.
Buy from a real Liverpool pharmacy
Anfield Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered pharmacy at 140 Oakfield Road, Liverpool L4 0UQ. Tracked UK delivery is £2.49, free on orders over £25, or collect free from the pharmacy. Questions? Call 0151 263 3631, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm.
This article is general information, not a substitute for advice from a pharmacist, GP or optometrist. Always read the label.
