Acid reflux all day: what it can mean and what to do

Occasional reflux can follow a meal, but persistent symptoms may reflect gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or another digestive problem. A clinician can check the pattern, review medicines and other health conditions, and decide whether treatment or testing is appropriate.

Reflux occurs when stomach contents travel back into the oesophagus. It may cause burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, regurgitation, nausea, hoarseness, or cough. Symptoms can worsen after large meals, when bending, or while lying down.

A weakened or inappropriately relaxed valve at the lower end of the oesophagus can allow repeated reflux. Pregnancy, smoking, excess weight, a hiatus hernia, and some medicines may contribute. Chest discomfort is not always reflux, so new or unusual symptoms should not be self-diagnosed.

Record when symptoms happen, what you ate, your body position, and any medicines taken. Try smaller meals, avoid lying down for about three hours after eating, and identify personal triggers rather than removing many foods at once. If night symptoms occur, raising the head and upper body with a wedge may help.

A pharmacist can advise whether a short course of a non-prescription reflux medicine is suitable and check for interactions. Arrange a clinician appointment if symptoms occur most days, persist despite self-care, or require frequent medicine. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without discussing it with the prescriber.

Seek emergency help for severe, crushing, or unexplained chest pain, particularly with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, or back. These features can have causes other than reflux and need urgent assessment.

Get prompt medical care for difficulty or pain when swallowing, food sticking, persistent vomiting, vomit containing blood or resembling coffee grounds, black stools, unexplained weight loss, or worsening upper abdominal pain. These signs may point to bleeding, narrowing, inflammation, or another condition requiring evaluation.

Ask whether your symptom pattern fits reflux, whether any current medicine could aggravate it, and how long a recommended treatment should be tried. You can also ask which warning signs should change your plan, whether swallowing symptoms need investigation, and when follow-up is appropriate if treatment does not help.