Acidity is a general term which usually refers to regurgitation of acid or partly digested food from the stomach into the food pipe (Oesophagus) or mouth.
The sourness is due to fermentation of food in the stomach or over secretion of acid.
Heartburn describes a burning sensation behind the breast bone or sternum

• Stress
• Overeating
• Obesity
• Alcohol
• Cigarette smoking
• Irregular eating habits
• Certain drugs like aspirin, antibiotics, etc.
• Certain food like tomatoes, citrus fruits, onion, coffee and tea also cause acidity.

• Burning in the chest after eating.
• Sour eructations, belching.
• A feeling that food is getting stuck after swallowing

• Recognize signs of stress and identify the causes.
• At work, reduce stress by learning to avoid long working hours, not accepting unrealistic demands, setting realistic goals, accepting changes optimistically and not taking work related problems home.
• At home air your grievances, share your problems with others and take regular weekend breaks to spend time with your family.
• Take time and relax for about 20 minutes before and after eating your meals.
• Eat slowly, chew each mouthful well.
• Eat meals at regular timings. Eat frequently but in small quantities. Do not overeat.
• Avoid drinking immediately before meals and drink sparingly during meals.
• Do not lie down immediately after meals.
• Eat less spicy food, avoid fatty or fried food and those that contain possible irritants such as chemical food additives or hot spices. Avoid alcohol, reduce the amount of coffee and tea and avoid them entirely when you have severe acidity.
• Avoid smoking as it irritates the stomach lining.
• Drink cold milk at the time of heartburn.
• Avoid painkillers or medicine which cause acidity

• If discomfort around the chest region is aggravated by exercise and better by rest.
• If with heartburn you have difficulty in swallowing, breathlessness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain or black or bloody stools.
• If the heartburn occurs daily.