Chris Vincent, MD, is board-certified in family medicine. He is a clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine and practices at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing burning, irritation, or pain in the chest. This pain often appears or is made worse after eating. Occasional heartburn is often caused by overeating and poor diet and may not be a need for concern. But constant heartburn may indicate an underlying health issue that should be investigated.

This article discusses the causes and treatment options for persistent heartburn.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause constant heartburn that occurs more than twice a week over a period of several weeks.

The main symptom is heartburn (pain or burning in the chest), but you may also experience:

GERD is very common in the United States, affecting approximately 20% of the population. You are more likely to have GERD if you are pregnant, a smoker, taking certain medications, or have obesity.

There are several gastrointestinal diseases that can cause constant or recurrent heartburn. These include:

Esophagitis is a broad term that refers to any inflammation of the esophagus. Symptoms include:

Esophagitis can be caused by many things, including viruses or other germs, medications, or frequent vomiting.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a type of esophagitis in which an excess number of white blood cells, called eosinophils , are present in the tissue of the esophagus. It is thought to be related to allergies.

Depending on the underlying cause of your constant heartburn, additional symptoms can often include generalized indigestion, such as bloating and stomach pain.

If stomach acid is coming up your esophagus at night while you are lying down, you may wake up with a sore throat, bad breath, or hoarseness.

It is helpful for some individuals who have constant heartburn to avoid certain foods that may trigger their symptoms.

Foods that are associated with heartburn include:

It may be helpful to eat smaller meals throughout the day rather than infrequent large meals.

If you suffer from acid reflux, it may be helpful to elevate your upper body at night while sleeping.

There are several different medications that can be used to treat heartburn. Some only treat immediate symptoms, but others can actually heal damaged tissue in the esophagus.

Many of these medications are available over the counter, but they are still capable of producing side effects. Long-term use of any of these medications is not recommended unless you are specifically told to use them regularly by your healthcare provider:

Don't hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions about any of these medications.

Surgery is usually reserved for individuals whose symptoms cannot be controlled with medications or lifestyle changes.

A Nissen fundoplication is a procedure in which the upper part of the stomach, called the fundus, is wrapped around the lower part of the esophagus. This serves to reinforce the lower portion of the esophagus and prevents food from coming back up through the esophageal sphincter.

Another procedure that may be used is a LINX device implantation. A LINX device uses magnets to keep the lower esophageal sphincter closed the majority of the time but still allows it to open so that food can pass through to the stomach.

The following tips can help to prevent or minimize symptoms of heartburn:

Illustration by JR Bee / Verywell​

You should see a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and for proper treatment if:

Untreated acid disorders can lead to complications, including Barrett's esophagus (damage to the lining of the esophagus), esophageal cancer, or scarring or narrowing of the esophagus.

You should seek care immediately if you vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds (this could be blood). You should also seek care immediately if you notice blood in your stools or have black or tar-like stools (this also might be blood).

If your vomiting is large, green, yellow, or forceful, you should seek care urgently by going to an emergency room.

Symptoms of a heart attack can be mistaken for heartburn. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you experience chest pain accompanied by:

Constant heartburn can be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as GERD, esophagitis, or other gastrointestinal disorders. If you experience frequent heartburn or heartburn more than once a week for several weeks, consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Heartburn is a common and uncomfortable condition. Fortunately, symptoms can be greatly improved with adequate diagnosis and treatment. Don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you experience constant heartburn.

Experiencing heartburn more than once a week over a period of several weeks may indicate an underlying condition.

Water may dilute stomach acid, but drinking water is unlikely to provide adequate relief of severe heartburn. However, drinking enough water aids digestion and may help to prevent digestive problems such as heartburn from developing. Hydration is also important for overall health.

Oatmeal, sweet potatoes, bananas, green vegetables, carrots, bananas, watermelon, nuts, herbal tea, milk and ginger can also help with heartburn.

This depends on a number of factors, including any underlying conditions or treatments that are used. However, it is not uncommon for heartburn to last a couple hours or more after eating.

Get nutrition tips and advice to make healthy eating easier.

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University of Utah Health. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

American Heart Association. Warning signs of a heart attack.

Johns Hopkins Medicine. GERD diet: foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn).

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