Avoid doing any activities that forces acid back in to the esophagus, such as lifting, straining, and coughing. You also have to avoid wearing tight fitting clothes as this can produce pressure on your midsection forcing stomach contents, such as stomach acid, upwards to your esophagus. After eating, avoid lying down. You suddenly felt a burning sensation building up in your upper abdomen and the pain and the burning sensation is steadily working its way up just behind the breastbone. You also feel it in your throat and it was accompanied by a sour taste. You felt like vomiting but when you gagged, nothing went out. This is the valve that keeps the stomach acid inside the stomach and prevents the acid from coming in contact with the esophagus. A weakened LES is one of the most common symptoms of GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. You also have to remember that there are certain foods that weaken or relax the LES. Never rule out heart attack as a cause of chest pain even if you frequently experience heartburn. In most cases, heartburn will occur 30 to 60 minutes after meals. The pain will worsen if you lie down or when you bend forward. The pain will also get worse if you strain to pass stools. The best thing that you can do is to stand upright, swallow saliva or water, and take antacids. While mild heartburn can be treated easily through lifestyle modification and over the counter antacids, chronic heartburn is far more complicated to treat. This is because chronic heartburn may indicate that you may be suffering from other medical conditions that are far more serious, such as Barrett s esophagus, Hiatal hernia, esophagitis, or GERD. You really don t have to give up drinking these things but you have to limit it or control it. You should also drink more water in order to neutralize stomach acid. You also need to remember that some exercise routines can cause heartburn. Some exercises can reverse the flow of digestion, which will force stomach acid back in to the esophagus, which will cause heartburn.