Heartburn and indigestion treatment in Huntingdon.
Heartburn and indigestion are uncomfortable but usually easy to settle. Under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme our pharmacist can look at what's triggering them, advise on treatment and, where suitable, supply it on the NHS — no GP referral required.
What are heartburn and indigestion?
Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest that happens when stomach acid travels back up into the food pipe (oesophagus).
Indigestion is discomfort in the upper tummy, often after eating or drinking. You can have both conditions at the same time.
No appointment needed — come in during opening hours and ask for the pharmacist.
Prefer a set time? Call and we'll book you in with the pharmacist.
Open Mon–Fri 08:45–18:00 (closed 13:00–14:00).
Common signs and symptoms
Important: chest pain is not always heartburn. Sudden or persistent chest pain, particularly with breathlessness, sweating or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck or jaw, could be a heart attack.
- A burning feeling in the chest, often after eating
- An unpleasant sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Feeling bloated or uncomfortably full
- Burping or passing wind
- Feeling sick or bringing food or fluid back up
- Symptoms that are worse when lying down or bending over
What causes heartburn and indigestion?
Common causes and triggers include:
Eating large meals or eating too close to bedtime can push stomach acid back up the food pipe.
These foods can trigger symptoms or make them worse.
Coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate or tomatoes can trigger symptoms in some people.
Smoking can contribute to heartburn and indigestion.
Extra weight can increase pressure on the stomach.
Pregnancy and hormonal changes can cause heartburn and indigestion.
Feeling stressed or anxious can trigger or worsen symptoms.
Some medicines, including ibuprofen and aspirin, can cause indigestion.
Stomach contents flowing back into the food pipe cause the burning of heartburn.
How can it be prevented?
A few changes to your habits can often make a real difference.
Avoid overeating — smaller, more frequent meals are often easier on your digestion.
Try not to eat within 3–4 hours of going to bed.
Notice which foods or drinks set your symptoms off, and reduce them.
Both can make heartburn and indigestion worse.
If appropriate, keeping to a healthy weight can reduce pressure on your stomach.
If symptoms occur at night, raising the head end of your bed can help.
Avoid anything tight around your waist.
If you think a medicine is causing symptoms, ask a pharmacist — do not stop prescribed treatment yourself.
When should someone seek medical help?
Heartburn and indigestion are usually harmless, but some symptoms need a proper check-up — and chest pain should never be ignored.
Contact your GP
Arrange an appointment if you have heartburn most days, your symptoms keep returning or pharmacy treatments are not helping. Seek medical assessment if you have any of the following:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing severe pain
- Blood in your vomit or stools — this needs urgent medical assessment
Call 999 in an emergency
If you have sudden or persistent chest pain or pressure, particularly with any of the following, call 999. Do not assume it is indigestion or drive yourself to A&E:
- Breathlessness
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Pain spreading to your arm, back, neck or jaw
Remember: Heartburn and indigestion are common and often improve with simple lifestyle changes and suitable pharmacy treatments. If symptoms persist, worsen or feel different from usual, seek medical advice.
Read the NHS heartburn and acid reflux guide Read the NHS indigestion guideCommon questions
Can a pharmacist help with heartburn and indigestion?
Yes. Under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme our pharmacist can ask about your symptoms and what sets them off, advise on treatment and, where suitable, supply it on the NHS. If your symptoms need further assessment, we'll tell you where to go instead.
Could my chest pain be a heart attack?
Chest pain is not always heartburn. Sudden or persistent chest pain — particularly with breathlessness, sweating, nausea or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck or jaw — could be a heart attack. Call 999 rather than assuming it is indigestion, and do not drive yourself to A&E.
Should I stop taking ibuprofen or aspirin if they upset my stomach?
Ask a pharmacist first — never stop prescribed treatment yourself. Our pharmacist can review what you're taking, suggest alternatives and advise on protecting your stomach.
How much does it cost?
The consultation is free. If the pharmacist can treat you under the scheme, any NHS prescription charge that applies is the same as it would be at your GP — and free if you don't normally pay for prescriptions.
Do I need an appointment?
No — walk-ins are welcome during opening hours. If you'd rather have a set time, call us on 01480 425412 and we'll schedule one for you.
Is the consultation private?
Yes. Any consultation takes place in our private consultation room, and anything you discuss stays confidential.
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Walk in and ask for the pharmacist, or call us to arrange a time — free NHS advice and treatment under the Minor Ailments Scheme.