What should you know about constant acid reflux?

Acid reflux happens when stomach contents move upwards into the food pipe. It may cause burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, belching, cough, throat irritation or disturbed sleep. A hiatus hernia can make reflux easier to develop. Body weight, meals close to bedtime, alcohol, smoking and some medicines may worsen symptoms for some people, but triggers vary. Chest tightness is not automatically reflux, so the location and character of discomfort matter.

Keep a brief diary of meals, timing, posture and symptoms. Try smaller meals, remain upright after eating, and avoid lying down soon after food. Raise the head end of the bed if night symptoms are prominent, rather than relying only on extra pillows. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on an appropriate reflux medicine and how long to use it. Review medicines with a professional before stopping any prescribed treatment.

Arrange a review if symptoms are frequent, continue despite practical changes, return when treatment stops, or cause difficulty swallowing, food sticking, vomiting, persistent cough or unexplained weight change. Seek urgent help for severe or new chest pain, breathlessness, sweating, faintness, vomiting blood or black stools. These features can need prompt assessment because they are not specific to reflux.

Ask whether your symptoms fit acid reflux, whether a hiatus hernia or another condition needs consideration, and which treatment plan is suitable. Describe night symptoms, chest discomfort, swallowing changes and every medicine or supplement you take.