Contrary to its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. Heartburn is the feeling of burning pain or discomfort in the chest, which commonly occurs after eating. If you think you could be experiencing heartburn or have noticed it is happening more regularly, it’s time to speak with your health professional about how you can manage your symptoms.

What Causes Heartburn?

Heartburn occurs when your oesophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach, is irritated by stomach acid. There is a ring of muscle located at the low end of the oesophagus which relaxes when food comes in and tightens to stop stomach acid leaving. If this muscle is not functioning properly stomach acid may rise into the oesophagus, causing you to feel a burning sensation[1].

How Can You Relieve Your Symptoms?

There are a range of factors that can lead to heartburn, from stress and lack of sleep, which increases how much acid your stomach makes, to pregnancy and smoking[2]. It’s important to first find out what can be causing heartburn, however there are some general lifestyle adjustments that you can make to assist symptoms, including:

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals
• Avoiding foods that trigger heartburn
• Not eating late at night
• Losing weight; and
• Avoiding tight clothing.

You may also want to try over-the-counter medicines that are designed especially for heartburn. Many frequent heartburn sufferers rely on antacids with or without alginates to manage their symptoms. Whilst these treatments provide immediate heartburn relief, they may not deliver the sustained relief that frequent sufferers want, and multiple daily doses are often required to keep symptoms at bay[3].

With just one tablet a day, Nexium 24HR can provide 24-hour protection for lasting frequent heartburn relief. This option can be preferable as one tablet can be taken at the same time each day rather than potentially needing to upkeep dosage.

Visit your local Blooms The Chemist to learn more about the heartburn relief that Nexium 24HR can provide. Your Pharmacist will also be able to speak with you about lifestyle factors that may aid in reducing your heartburn symptoms.

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.

Nexium® is a registered trademark of AstraZeneca AB and is used under licence. ®Reg TM Auth User.

[1] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heartburn

[2] https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/understanding-heartburn-basics

[3] Peura DA et al. BMC Gastroenterol. 2018;18:69.