Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus the tube that connects the throat and stomach. It's caused by stomach acid. This leads to a burning discomfort in your upper belly or below breastbone. Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart.

How to prevent heartburn:

• at less at one time, memory food well out
• avoid foods occurring gastric irritation (spicy foods, garlic)
• do not drink coffee to the empty stomach
• do not lay down right after eating lunch

Antacids suitable for reliving heartburn (e.g. baking soda), which neutralize the acid and relive pain.

The family doctor/family nurse should be contacted when:

• heartburn is common and disturbs daily life. Further research (gastroscopy) is needed to identify the cause
• to receive home treatment recommendations