What should you know about bad acid reflux?

Reflux happens when stomach contents move upwards into the food pipe. It may cause burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, regurgitation, cough, chest tightness, abdominal pain, or difficulty sleeping. A hiatus hernia and excess weight can contribute, but similar symptoms may have other causes. Reflux-related cough can occur without obvious heartburn, so the pattern and triggers matter.

Notice whether large meals, lying down soon after eating, alcohol, smoking, or particular foods trigger symptoms. Smaller meals, remaining upright after eating, and raising the head end of the bed may help. Avoid tight clothing around the abdomen. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether an antacid or acid-reducing medicine is appropriate, particularly if you take other medicines or have ongoing symptoms.

Arrange a medical review if reflux keeps returning, disrupts sleep, causes persistent cough, or makes swallowing painful or difficult. Seek urgent help for new or severe chest tightness, breathlessness, faintness, vomiting blood, black stools, or sudden severe abdominal pain. Chest symptoms should not automatically be attributed to reflux.

Do my symptoms fit reflux, or should another cause be checked? Could a hiatus hernia be involved? Which treatment is suitable, and how long should I try it before review?