Acid reflux lasting for days

A run of symptoms may follow rich meals, alcohol, late eating, illness-related routine changes or medicines that irritate the digestive tract. Duration alone cannot confirm the cause, because chest and upper-abdominal discomfort have other explanations.

Stomach contents can repeatedly reach the oesophagus when the valve at its lower end relaxes or when pressure in the abdomen rises. A hiatus hernia can contribute, and reflux may present with burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, belching, throat irritation or cough.

Symptoms that continue despite removing an apparent trigger may reflect ongoing irritation or a different problem. Note whether discomfort relates to food, exertion, bending, sleep or swallowing; that pattern gives a clinician more useful information than a label of indigestion alone.

For the next few meals, use smaller portions and choose less fatty or spicy dishes if those tend to trigger you. Stay upright after eating, avoid a late heavy dinner, and pause alcohol, tobacco and other known triggers. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without professional advice.

A pharmacist can check whether a short-term non-prescription remedy is suitable alongside your medicines and health conditions. Record when symptoms appear and what you have tried. Book a primary-care appointment if the episode is not settling, keeps recurring, or requires remedies repeatedly.

Get urgent medical help for difficulty swallowing, food sticking, vomiting blood, black stools, repeated vomiting, fainting, severe abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss. These features require assessment rather than another change of diet.

Use emergency services for sudden or intense chest pain, pressure or tightness, particularly when accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or pain travelling to the jaw, arm, neck or back. Do not assume prolonged chest symptoms are reflux.

Ask what else could explain the symptoms, whether your regular medicines need checking, and whether treatment or further examination is appropriate. Mention night waking, cough, swallowing changes and the exact location of discomfort.