Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), is the backward flow of stomach acid into the tube that connects your throat to your stomach (esophagus).
Heartburn is a common condition that’s caused by stomach acids rising up into your esophagus. This can cause chest pain that sometimes radiates to your neck, throat or jaw.
Heartburn, or acid indigestion, is related to your esophagus. Because the esophagus and heart are located near each other, either one can cause chest pain.
To keep heartburn away avoid alcohol, cigarettes, aspirin/anti-inflammatories and citrus, which can relax the valve between the esophagus and the stomach and make it easier for acid to splash up.
Raise the head of your bed (about 6 inches) if you have heartburn at night. This helps to keep your stomach acid in the stomach. (Source: heart.org)
Don’t eat close to bedtime or late at night. Finish your dinner 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.