Heartburn is often felt as a burning pain in the lower chest, beginning at the breastbone and radiating up the throat, along with a sour or bitter taste in the throat and mouth. It may feel like food is stuck in your chest or throat, or is ‘repeating’ back into your mouth.

To some people, heartburn is merely a slight discomfort; to others it is very painful. The attacks may leave you with a sore throat. The symptoms vary from person to person and can last from a few minutes to more than a day.

Heartburn is often worse after eating, when the stomach produces the most acid, but episodes can occur at any time of the day and even wake you during the night.