What should you know about acid reflux causes?

A relaxed or weakened lower oesophageal sphincter, pressure on the stomach, a hiatus hernia, large meals, lying down soon after eating, and certain foods or drinks can contribute. A trigger may worsen symptoms without being the underlying cause.

The lower oesophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle that normally closes after food enters the stomach. If it relaxes at the wrong time or cannot resist pressure from below, acidic or non-acidic stomach contents may reach the oesophagus. The oesophageal lining is less protected than the stomach lining, so contact can cause burning, sour fluid in the mouth, belching, throat irritation, or cough.

A hiatus hernia can alter the position and support of this barrier. Increased abdominal pressure and delayed stomach emptying may also favour reflux. Symptoms often vary with meal size, posture, timing, and individual sensitivity.

Keep a brief record of meals, drinks, medicines, activity, posture, and symptoms to identify your own pattern. Try smaller meals, avoid lying flat soon after eating, and adjust foods only when there is a repeatable connection. If symptoms occur at night, raising the head end of the bed may help more than adding pillows, which can bend the body at the waist.

Review frequent symptoms with a clinician or pharmacist before relying on regular over-the-counter remedies. Some medicines can aggravate reflux, but prescribed treatment should not be stopped without advice.

Seek urgent medical help for new or severe chest pressure or tightness, especially with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, nausea, or discomfort spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder. Do not assume these symptoms are reflux.

Arrange medical assessment for difficulty or pain when swallowing, food sticking, repeated vomiting, vomit containing blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss, anaemia, persistent upper abdominal pain, or symptoms that continue despite sensible changes or treatment.

Ask whether your symptom pattern fits reflux, whether any current medicine may contribute, how long to try treatment, and which warning signs should change the plan. Mention swallowing problems, night waking, cough, chest symptoms, pregnancy, and any history of stomach or oesophageal disease.