. Heartburn is an unpleasant condition that occurs when acid from the stomach
. rises up into the oesophagus (food pipe) and the throat where it causes a
. burning pain.

. Heartburn is one of the most common symptoms of GORD - gastro-
. oesophagael reflux disease. GORD is not a serious condition but heartburn
. can damage the lining of the oesophagus and cause reflux oesophagitis.

. The pain of heartburn can last for several hours or more and is often made
. worse by eating.

. Many people suffer sleepless nights as a result of heartburn because lying
. down can trigger the condition and increase the pain.

1 Source: Kennedy T. Jones R. The prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms in the UK population and the consultation behaviour of patients with these symptoms. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2000; 14: 1589-94

2 Source: Marrero JM, Goggin PM, de Caestecker JS, Pearce JM, Maxwell JD. Determinants of pregnancy heartburn. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1992;99: 731-4