Heartburn is often dismissed as an annoying side effect of a spicy dinner or a late-night snack gone wrong. But here's the thing: not every burning chest sensation is harmless—and sometimes, it’s your body waving a red flag.

For most, heartburn is a fleeting, mild annoyance. For others, however, heartburn can be an indicator of more dangerous diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus, or even precancerous signs of esophageal cancer. Being able to tell when to brush it off and when to go to the doctor can make all the difference.

What is Heartburn Exactly?

Heartburn—also known as acid reflux—is a burning pain in your chest, typically behind the breastbone. It usually moves up toward the throat and can leave a sour taste. As its name suggests, heartburn does not have anything to do with the heart. It occurs when stomach acid moves backward into the esophagus, which irritates its lining.

This happens due to a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a muscle band that should function as a one-way valve. In case this valve is unable to remain tightly closed, stomach contents such as acid leak upwards, resulting in inflammation and pain.

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For most, symptoms occur after big meals, when reclining, or after consuming specific trigger foods. But not all heartburn is a sign of illness. The alarm goes off when it occurs frequently, happens often, or doesn't respond to lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medicine.

Most Common Causes and Triggers for Heartburn

There is no single culprit for heartburn, but there are some typical suspects:

Diet: Fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, peppermint, onions, and caffeinated beverages such as coffee and soda are frequent triggers.

Medications: Aspirin, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, certain sedatives, and blood pressure medications can relax or stimulate the LES.

Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol use, and obesity or pregnancy increase pressure in the abdomen, pushing acid upwards.

Eating Habits: Excessive eating, eating rapidly, or reclining shortly after eating can all be factors.

If you've experienced heartburn more than twice a week for a few weeks, you might be suffering from GERD—a more severe type of acid reflux that requires medical assessment.

When It's More Than Heartburn

One under-talked-about but important chronic heartburn-related condition is Barrett's esophagus. It arises when the esophagus compensates for repeated exposure to acid by altering the cell type lining it. This sounds like the body defending itself, yet it puts one at increased risk for developing adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, a rare but fatal cancer.

The UK's NHS is currently piloting a programme to provide "heartburn health checks" to check for Barrett's esophagus. It is a quick sponge-on-a-string procedure in which the patient swallows a capsule that harvests esophageal cells that are sent to the lab for analysis. It's very non-invasive and potentially a game-changer in cancer detection early on.

As Professor Peter Johnson, national cancer director of the NHS, says: "For the vast majority of people who have long-standing reflux, these simple and fast health checks will give them reassurance. and for those who do discover that they have Barrett's esophagus, follow-up checks will be arranged at regular intervals."

When heartburn persists, don't grab the antacids—see your doctor.

When Chest Pain Is More Than Heartburn

Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: chest pain could also be a sign of a heart attack. While heartburn and cardiac pain can feel similar, they’re not the same.

Here are some key differences:

If you’re unsure whether it’s heartburn or heart trouble, seek immediate medical help. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

What is GERD?

One hypothesis is that individuals with GERD inadvertently breathe in aspirated stomach contents during reflux—particularly if contaminated—and are at risk for developing lung infections. Acid inhaled into the airways can also exacerbate asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

When to See a Doctor?

Don't guess when it comes to your health. It’s time to see a doctor if you’re experiencing heartburn more than twice a week or find yourself relying on antacids or acid reducers daily. Persistent symptoms like difficulty swallowing, the sensation of food being stuck in your throat, or a lingering cough or hoarseness shouldn’t be ignored. Unexplained weight loss and chest pain that doesn’t clearly improve with antacids also warrant medical attention. These might be more than just plain old acid reflux, so don't wait it out—have it checked.

Long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use—popular acid-lowering drugs—can be problematic too, including nutrient malabsorption, fractures, or infections in the gut. If you take PPIs daily, discuss regular checkups and potential alternatives with your doctor.

Home Remedies That Might Actually Help Relieve Heartburn

Although meds are useful, lifestyle adjustments and folk remedies can provide relief as well.

Yogurt: Its smoothness can lubricate the esophagus and soothe irritation. Added bonus: it's a gut friend.

Bananas: Their alkalinity can counteract stomach acid, and they're chock-full of potassium.

Alginates: In some OTC products, alginates create a protective foam cover over stomach contents.

Apple cider vinegar: Some people swear by it (diluted in water), although there's limited research.

Milk or aloe vera juice: Can be temporarily soothing.

Beware, however—what is effective for one individual may cause symptoms in another. Trial and error, under physician guidance, is your safest choice.

Heartburn is prevalent—but not always harmless. Occasional bouts are generally nothing to worry about, but if they occur often, get worse over time, or are accompanied by new warning signs, don't ignore them. Your pain may be your body's way of telling you something serious is going on.

A California man died last weekend after eating so-called death cap mushrooms, marking the third fatality linked to the toxic fungi in the state since November.

Health officials say California is seeing an unusually high number of mushroom poisonings this season. Between November 18 and January 4, at least 35 cases were reported statewide. In a typical year, the number is usually fewer than five.

“This year’s figures are far beyond what we normally see,” said Sheri Cardo, a communications specialist with the California Department of Public Health.

California Resident Dies After Eating Death Cap Mushrooms

At least three people have now lost their lives in California due to death cap mushroom poisoning since November. Media reports indicate a sharp rise in cases tied to foraged wild mushrooms, with more than 35 poisonings recorded over the past three months.

“The numbers we’re dealing with this year are comparatively off the charts,” Cardo told NBC News.

The most recent death occurred in Sonoma County and was the first fatal wild mushroom poisoning reported there this season, according to county health officials.

Dr. Michael Stacey, interim health officer for Sonoma County, urged residents to avoid eating wild mushrooms unless they are purchased from reliable grocery stores or licensed sellers. He warned that death cap mushrooms can look strikingly similar to safe, edible varieties.

What Is Death Cap Mushroom Poisoning?

Death cap mushrooms, scientifically known as Amanita phalloides, are among the most poisonous mushrooms in the world. They commonly grow beneath oak trees and can be found in parks, gardens, and wooded areas.

Experts say these mushrooms are often mistaken for edible types because of their appearance. Typical features include:

• A smooth cap that may appear whitish, pale yellow, light brown, or green
• White gills underneath the cap
• A white spore print
• A cup-like structure called a volva at the base of the stem
• A ring, known as an annulus, around the stem

Death Cap Mushroom Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin between six and 24 hours after ingestion. Early signs often include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

In many cases, symptoms ease or disappear after one or two days, which can create a false sense of recovery. By that point, however, the toxins may have already caused severe damage to the liver.

According to experts, the poison responsible, known as amatoxin, can seriously harm the liver, kidneys, and digestive system. Without prompt treatment, the damage can be fatal.

U.S. Poison Centers receive an average of about 52 calls each year related to amatoxin exposure, said Hallen-Adams, though not every case is officially reported.

Is the Risk Easing?

The danger may now be starting to decline in parts of California. Mike McCurdy, president of the Mycological Society of San Francisco, said he has noticed far fewer death cap mushrooms during recent foraging trips.

Earlier this winter, McCurdy said he spotted hundreds of death caps during a two- to three-hour walk in Sonoma County. On a recent outing near Lafayette, California, he found just one. “I think we’re getting close to the end,” he said.

Nearly four years ago, Teresa Sanchez was in Mexico for a medical procedure when her right eye began to feel unusually dry and irritated. At first, it seemed minor. She assumed her contact lens might be torn or that the switch from daily lenses to monthly ones was causing dryness. She even wondered if her body was fighting off an infection, as per CNN.

What she did not realize at the time was that a microscopic organism was slowly attacking her cornea. Over the next three months, the parasite caused irreversible damage to her vision and triggered searing pain that spread across her head.

“I couldn’t even keep the blinds open in my room,” said Sanchez, now 33 and living in Las Vegas. “Light would cause unbearable pain. That’s when I knew something was seriously wrong.”

By then, she had already seen multiple optometrists and had been misdiagnosed. Frustrated and desperate for answers, Sanchez began researching her symptoms on her own.

What Is Acanthamoeba Keratitis?

Online searches led Sanchez to a condition she had never heard of: acanthamoeba keratitis. An eye specialist later confirmed it. Keratitis refers to inflammation of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped layer at the front of the eye that plays a central role in focusing vision. Acanthamoeba is a microscopic, single-celled organism that cannot be seen without a microscope.

According to Dr. Jacob Lorenzo-Morales, a professor of parasitology at the University of La Laguna in Spain, acanthamoeba is commonly found in soil and water. It does not require a host to survive, which makes it especially resilient.

Once the organism comes into contact with the eye, it can attach itself to the cornea. Dr. Paul Barney, an optometric physician and director at the Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute in Alaska, explained that even tiny breaks in the corneal surface can allow the parasite to burrow deeper into the eye.

Why Contact Lens Wearers Face Higher Risk?

Acanthamoeba keratitis is considered rare. Based on data from 20 countries, including the UK, India, the US, Canada and Brazil, there are more than 23,000 cases worldwide each year. Yet a striking pattern stands out. Between 85% and 95% of people who develop the infection wear contact lenses.

Contact lenses can cause microscopic abrasions on the cornea, creating an entry point for the parasite. The organism can also cling to the lens itself or become trapped between the lens and the eye, making it easier to penetrate the corneal tissue.

“If it’s not diagnosed early and treated aggressively, the outcome can be devastating,” Barney said. “The parasite feeds on the cornea, triggering inflammation and tissue damage that can lead to permanent vision loss.”

In some cases, vision can be partially restored with treatment. Others require a corneal transplant.

A Parasite Built To Survive

Treating acanthamoeba keratitis is especially difficult because the organism has strong defense mechanisms. It can sense threats and respond by forming a cyst, allowing it to lie dormant for months or even years.

This resilience means treatment often stretches over long periods and involves intense discomfort. Because the eye is extremely sensitive, patients must work closely with specialists and strictly follow treatment instructions.

Why The Condition Is Often Missed?

Early diagnosis is one of the biggest challenges Because acanthamoeba keratitis is uncommon, many optometrists may not recognize it right away. As a result, many contact lens users only learn about the condition after they develop it or come across viral videos discussing it online.

Many patients have expressed surprise that they were never clearly warned about the risks of wearing contacts while showering or swimming.

The Contact Lens Society of America emphasized that contact lenses are medical devices and require strict hygiene. This includes avoiding water exposure during swimming, showering or sleeping. The organization also stressed the importance of patients asking questions and carefully reviewing care instructions.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Symptoms That Mimic Other Eye Infections

In addition to severe pain and light sensitivity, acanthamoeba keratitis can cause redness, blurred vision, dryness, excessive tearing and the sensation that something is stuck in the eye.

Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions, misdiagnosis is common. Barney said the infection is frequently mistaken for herpes simplex keratitis, a major cause of infection-related blindness. In its earliest stages, it can even resemble pink eye.

That was the case for Sanchez. Her first optometrist diagnosed pink eye. The prescribed drops blurred her vision. A second optometrist suspected a bacterial infection, and while antibiotic drops offered brief relief, she soon lost vision in the affected eye.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis: How To Reduce Your Risk?

Experts stress that contact lens hygiene is critical. Always clean and store lenses using approved contact lens solution, never water. The solution in your lens case should be replaced daily. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses.

Sleeping in contact lenses should be avoided, as it increases dryness, irritation and the risk of corneal damage. Daily disposable lenses may lower infection risk compared to monthly lenses.

For water-based activities, glasses or prescription goggles are safer options. Some people may also consider vision correction surgery after discussing risks and suitability with a doctor.

More than 10 million adults, young people, and children in the UK are currently living with arthritis, according to a 2025 report by Arthritis UK. The NHS says osteoarthritis is the most common form of the condition across the country.

NHS Issues Warning For People Taking NSAIDs For Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis develops when joints become stiff and painful over time. Symptoms vary widely depending on the joint involved and the severity of damage. While medication is often used to manage pain and inflammation, the NHS warns that some commonly used treatments can carry risks if not taken correctly.

One of the most widely used options for pain relief is NSAIDs, a group of medicines many people rely on daily.

What Are NSAIDs And Why Are They Prescribed?

NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are commonly prescribed by GPs to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation. They are available in several forms, including tablets, capsules, suppositories, creams, gels, and injections. Some NSAIDs can be bought over the counter, while stronger versions require a prescription.

Common types of NSAIDs

The most commonly used NSAIDs include:

• ibuprofen
• naproxen
• diclofenac
• celecoxib
• mefenamic acid
• etoricoxib
• indomethacin
• aspirin for pain relief (low-dose aspirin is not usually classed as an NSAID)

Doctors usually advise which NSAID is suitable and explain the potential benefits and risks. However, the NHS stresses that patients should also understand possible side effects and when to seek medical help.

NHS Warning On Who Should Be Cautious With NSAIDs

The NHS advises that NSAIDs may not be suitable for everyone. Extra caution is needed if you have asthma, stomach ulcers, angina, or if you have previously had a heart attack or stroke. People taking low-dose aspirin should always speak to their GP before using an NSAID.

Who Should Avoid Or Seek Advice Before Taking NSAIDs?

You should consult a pharmacist or doctor before using NSAIDs if you:

• are over the age of 65
• are pregnant or trying to conceive
• are breastfeeding
• have asthma
• have had an allergic reaction to NSAIDs in the past
• have a history of stomach ulcers
• have heart, liver, kidney, blood pressure, circulation, or bowel problems
• are taking other medicines
• are buying medicine for a child under 16 (aspirin should never be given to children under 16)

The NHS explains that NSAIDs are not always completely avoided in these cases, but they should only be used with medical advice, as the risk of side effects may be higher.

If NSAIDs are unsuitable, doctors or pharmacists may recommend alternatives such as paracetamol.

Possible Side Effects Of NSAIDs

Over-the-counter NSAIDs generally cause fewer side effects than prescription-strength versions. However, risks increase when they are taken at high doses, used for long periods, or taken by older adults or people with underlying health conditions.

Possible side effects include:

• indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhoea
• stomach ulcers, which can lead to internal bleeding and anaemia
• headaches
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• allergic reactions

In rare cases, NSAIDs can affect the liver, kidneys, heart, or circulation, and may increase the risk of heart failure, heart attacks, or strokes.

Taking NSAIDs Alongside Other Medicines

It is essential to seek medical advice before taking NSAIDs if you are already using:

• another NSAID
• low-dose aspirin or warfarin
• ciclosporin
• diuretics for high blood pressure
• lithium
• methotrexate
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram or fluoxetine

Signs And Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected joints. Some people may also experience:

• swelling
• joint tenderness
• a grating or crackling sensation when moving joints
• pain and stiffness after periods of inactivity
• enlarged or knobbly joints
• reduced range of movement
• muscle weakness or muscle loss

The NHS notes that osteoarthritis can affect almost any joint but most commonly involves the knees, hips, and small joints of the hands. Anyone with persistent symptoms should see their GP for diagnosis and treatment advice.

Even people who do not fall into higher-risk groups should only use NSAIDs as directed by a healthcare professional. Side effects can still occur, especially with long-term use. If NSAIDs are not appropriate, safer alternatives may be suggested to manage pain effectively.