Heartburn and acid reflux are the same thing – when acid from your stomach comes up your throat. You'll have a burning feeling when this happens. This can be a symptom of indigestion.

There's usually no need to see a GP about indigestion. There are some things you can do at home.

A pharmacist can recommend medicines to ease the burning feeling or pain that can come with indigestion.

Medicines that help reduce acid in your stomach include:

• antacids
• proton pump inhibitors

Some indigestion medicines are best to take after eating as their effects last longer. Check the information leaflet that comes with the medicines for more information.

Watch Patient Webinars videos on 'reflux disease' for advice and information.

Most people have indigestion at some point. Usually, it's not a sign of anything more serious and you can treat it yourself.

You can have the following symptoms after eating or drinking:

• heartburn – a painful burning feeling in the chest, often after eating
• feeling full and bloated
• feeling sick
• belching and farting
• bringing up food or bitter-tasting fluids into your mouth

When it's not indigestion

Stomach ache or back pain are usually not symptoms of indigestion. If you have those you might be constipated.

While it’s common for people to experience acid reflux and heartburn once in a while, having symptoms that affect your daily life or occur at least twice each week could be a sign of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) a chronic digestive disease.

To help stop or reduce acid reflux or heart burn:

• eat smaller, more frequent meals
• raise 1 end of your bed 10 to 20cm by putting something under your bed or mattress – your chest and head should be above the level of your waist, so stomach acid does not travel up towards your throat
• lose weight if you're overweight
• reduce your alcohol intake
• stop smoking
• eat at least 3 to 4 hours before bed
• avoid food and drink that trigger acid reflux or heart burn
• avoid coffee, particularly dark roast even if decaffeinated, as this can worsen symptoms
• wear lose clothing
• find ways to relax

Pregnant women often get indigestion. It's very common from 27 weeks onwards.

It can be caused by hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against the stomach.

A pharmacist can help with uncomfortable feelings or pain. They can recommend the best medicines to use when you're pregnant.

The acid in your stomach can irritate the stomach lining or your throat. This causes indigestion and gives you a burning feeling and pain.

Other things that can cause indigestion include:

• medicines
• smoking
• alcohol
• a type of bacterial infection called helicobacter pylori

Stress can make indigestion worse.