What causes acidity and heartburn?

Heartburn happens when acid from the stomach flows back up into the food pipe (esophagus), causing a burning feeling in the chest or throat — often described as a chest burn. Occasional heartburn is common and often linked to:

  • Spicy, oily, or heavy meals
  • Overeating or eating late at night
  • Lying down soon after a meal
  • Being overweight
  • Smoking or alcohol
  • Pregnancy

When heartburn happens frequently — more than twice a week — it may be a sign of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), a more persistent form of acid reflux. See our GERD & Acid Reflux page for more detail.

When to see a doctor Speak with Dr. Gattani if heartburn happens more than twice a week, doesn't improve with simple changes, or is accompanied by difficulty swallowing, unintended weight loss, vomiting blood, or black stools. Chest pain that spreads to the arm or jaw needs emergency care right away, as it can sometimes be a sign of a heart problem rather than acidity.

What to expect at the clinic

Dr. Gattani will ask about your symptoms and eating patterns. For occasional, mild heartburn, lifestyle changes or medicine may be enough. If symptoms are frequent, severe, or come with any of the warning signs above, an endoscopy may be recommended to check the food pipe and stomach directly.

Frequently asked questions

No, occasional heartburn is very common and usually not serious. It becomes worth checking when it happens often, doesn't improve, or comes with other warning symptoms.

Yes, smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, not lying down right after eating, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help reduce heartburn.

If it happens more than twice a week, disrupts your sleep or daily life, or comes with difficulty swallowing or weight loss, it's time to get it checked.