What should you know about heartburn and acid reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when the valve between the oesophagus and stomach allows stomach contents to travel upwards. You may notice a sour taste, fluid coming back into the throat, hoarseness, cough, or discomfort after meals. Symptoms can be worse when bending or lying down. A hiatus hernia, excess abdominal pressure, large meals, or certain foods and drinks can contribute. Heartburn can also occur without a long-term reflux condition, so the pattern matters.

Notice when symptoms begin and record meals, medicines, posture, and sleep disruption. Try smaller meals, remain upright after eating, and avoid lying down soon after food. Reduce triggers you have identified rather than removing many foods at once. Raising the upper end of the bed may help night symptoms. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether an antacid or acid-reducing medicine suits you, especially if symptoms recur or you take other medicines.

Seek urgent help for chest pressure or tightness with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, or jaw; do not assume this is reflux. Arrange medical review for trouble swallowing, food sticking, vomiting, black stools, vomiting blood, unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, or symptoms that keep returning despite self-care.

Ask whether your symptom pattern fits reflux, whether a hiatus hernia or another cause needs checking, how long to try treatment, and which warning signs should prompt earlier review.