Heartburn can be serious. Here are 8 ways to minimize it

Heartburn is not always harmless, says Sharon Ní Chonchúir. 

HEARTBURN is caused by stomach acids rising into the oesophagus. It starts with a burning sensation under the breastbone and is often accompanied by a nasty taste, stinging in the throat, and pain in the stomach or chest. Thankfully, it passes in minutes.

But heartburn is not always fleeting and harmless. According to research by the Gaviscon Heartburn and Indigestion Network, in 2008, 60% of Irish people have regular incidences of heartburn. It can become a worry.