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<center>Reviewed 4/16/2024</center>
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<h2>Heartburn triggers. Can you avoid the burn?</h2>
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back up the esophagus. But avoiding common triggers can help prevent the fiery sensation. Keep scrolling to learn more.
FOODS
<ul>
 <li>Chocolate.</li>
 <li>Citrus fruits.</li>
 <li>Fatty or spicy foods.</li>
 <li>Onions.</li>
 <li>Peppermint or spearmint.</li>
 <li>Tomatoes and tomato sauces.</li>
</ul>
FACT
Heartburn often occurs after overeating.
DRINKS
<ul>
 <li>Alcohol.</li>
 <li>Carbonated drinks.</li>
 <li>Citrus juices.</li>
 <li>Coffee and other caffeinated drinks.</li>
</ul>
FACT
Placing 6- to 9-inch blocks under the legs at the head of your bed can help prevent heartburn.
LIFESTYLE FACTORS
<ul>
 <li>Being overweight.</li>
 <li>Being under stress.</li>
 <li>Smoking.</li>
 <li>Taking certain medications.</li>
 <li>Lying down too soon after eating.</li>
</ul>
FACT
There are many medications that can trigger heartburn. But don't stop taking them without talking to your doctor.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Sometimes heartburn can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other conditions. See a doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
<ul>
 <li>Frequent heartburn (more than 3 times a week for more than 2 weeks).</li>
 <li>Heartburn that doesn't get better despite lifestyle changes and antacid medicines.</li>
 <li>Trouble or pain when swallowing.</li>
 <li>Bloody or black stool.</li>
 <li>Dizziness or light-headedness.</li>
 <li>Shortness of breath, coughing or hoarseness.</li>
 <li>Sweating when you have pain in your chest.</li>
</ul>
Heartburn doesn't affect the heart. But the symptoms of a heart attack can sometimes be confused for heartburn.
<a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/HealthInfo/Story.aspx?StoryID=a1f15407-013b-49ab-9d4c-32b5e6b5e1f1">Learn about heart attack symptoms</a>
</div>

Sources
<ul>
 <li>American Academy of Family Physicians. "Heartburn." <a href="https://familydoctor.org/condition/heartburn/" target="_blank">https://familydoctor.org/condition/heartburn/</a>.&nbsp;</li>
 <li>American College of Gastroenterology. "Acid Reflux." <a href="https://gi.org/topics/acid-reflux/" target="_blank">https://gi.org/topics/acid-reflux/</a>.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Heartburn triggers

 More than 60 million Americans have heartburn at least once a month.