Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or throat that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). It often happens after eating, when lying down, or bending over, and can feel worse at night.

Common signs include:

• A burning feeling behind the breastbone
• A sour or acidic taste in the mouth
• Discomfort that may worsen when bending or lying down

Heartburn happens when stomach acid moves up into the esophagus, causing a burning feeling in the chest or throat.

Common causes include:

• Eating spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol
• Large meals or lying down right after eating
• Being overweight or smoking
• Stress or certain medications
• Conditions like acid reflux (GERD) or a hiatal hernia
• Pregnancy, due to pressure on the stomach and hormonal changes

Tip: Occasional heartburn is common, but frequent or severe heartburn should be checked by a healthcare provider.