Symptoms and Side Effects

Heartburn

What Is Heartburn?

Heartburn (also called gastric reflux or indigestion) is a burning discomfort that starts in the stomach and can rise into the chest or throat. It’s caused by food and stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. Cancer treatments—especially chemotherapy—can irritate the stomach and esophagus, making them more sensitive to this backflow.

In addition to the burning sensation, you may also experience:

Bloating
Burping
Nausea
A sour or bitter taste in the mouth

Caring for Yourself at Home

Adjust Your Eating Habits

Eat several small meals a day instead of two or three large ones.
Wait 2 to 3 hours after eating before lying down.
Track your symptoms and avoid foods that make them worse.
Common culprits include:
- Spicy foods
- Chocolate
- Mint
- Alcohol
- Acidic foods (like tomatoes or citrus)
- Coffee
- Chocolate

See our Nutrition page for more ideas and tips on gentle eating during treatment.

Medications That May Help

Antacids like Gaviscon®, Mylanta®, Maalox®, or Tums® can offer fast relief for occasional symptoms.
Acid reducers (for more persistent issues) may include:
- Pepcid AC® or Zantac 360®(famotidine)
- Tagamet HB® (cimetidine)
- Prilosec® (omeprazole) or Nexium® (esomeprazole)
Always follow label instructions and consult your doctor before starting or stopping any medication.

Avoid Common Triggers

Quit smoking. Tobacco can worsen reflux.
Limit or avoid alcohol.
Avoid tight clothing around your stomach or waist.
Raise the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches if symptoms worsen at night. (Use a foam wedge or elevate the bed frame. Extra pillows won’t help.)

Avoid Medications That Irritate the Stomach

Anti-inflammatory medicines like:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
- Naproxen (Aleve®)
If you need pain relief, acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may be a safer option that’s gentler on your stomach.