Why do the symptoms come and go?
- Home /
- About Heartburn & GORD /
- Why do the symptoms come and go?
Things that can make reflux symptoms worse
People do not experience heartburn or reflux symptoms all the time. Some of the following things may make your heartburn or other reflux symptoms worse.

Foods
Certain types of food, such as fatty or spicy foods, can trigger heartburn. Large meals may increase pressure in your stomach causing acid to rise more easily. Lying down soon after eating also allows acid to enter your oesophagus more easily.

Pregnancy
The increased pressure on your stomach from the baby may increase the risk of heartburn.

Smoking
Smoking may aggravate heartburn in some people.

Excess weight
Being overweight puts extra pressure on your stomach.

Wearing tight clothes
Tight waistbands or belts can put extra pressure
on your stomach.

Bending over
Bending allows stomach acid to enter your oesophagus more easily.
Medications
Some medicines may aggravate heartburn; for example, some of the anti-inflammatory medications commonly used to treat arthritis, pain or inflammation.
If you are experiencing heartburn, ask your doctor about the medications that you are taking.
Hot Topics
How many thought this was hot