How to ease acid reflux

Acid reflux happens when stomach contents move back towards the food pipe and irritate its lining. It can cause a burning feeling behind the breastbone, a sour taste, regurgitation, cough or difficulty sleeping when symptoms occur at night. A hiatus hernia and increased abdominal pressure, including that associated with obesity, can contribute in some people. Chest symptoms can overlap with heart or lung problems, so do not assume every burning or tight sensation is reflux.

Notice whether large meals, late eating, alcohol, smoking, coffee, spicy foods or lying down soon after eating trigger symptoms, then change only the triggers that affect you. Choose smaller portions, eat slowly and remain upright after meals. Raising the head end of the bed may help night symptoms; extra pillows alone can bend the body and may not help. A pharmacist can discuss an antacid or acid-suppressing medicine, including how long to use it and possible interactions.

Seek emergency help for chest tightness with breathlessness, sweating, faintness or pain spreading to the arm, back or jaw. Arrange prompt assessment for difficulty swallowing, food sticking, vomiting blood, black stools, persistent vomiting, unexplained weight change or severe abdominal pain. See a clinician when symptoms recur, disturb sleep or continue despite appropriate self-care, because the diagnosis and treatment may need review.

Ask whether your symptoms fit acid reflux, which triggers matter in your case, how long to try treatment, whether another medicine is contributing, and which chest or abdominal symptoms require urgent care.