Natural remedies for acid reflux in older adults

Acid reflux happens when stomach contents move upward into the food pipe. It may cause a burning feeling behind the breastbone, a sour taste, throat irritation, cough, or disturbed sleep. Ageing, a hiatus hernia, reduced mobility, and several medicines can make symptoms more troublesome. Chest tightness can have causes unrelated to reflux, so do not label new chest symptoms yourself.

Choose modest portions and eat slowly. Notice whether fatty meals, mint, caffeine, chocolate, tomatoes, or spicy foods trigger symptoms, then reduce only the foods that clearly affect you. Remain upright after eating and avoid bending immediately over a meal. Raise the head end of the bed if night symptoms occur; extra pillows alone may not keep the whole upper body raised. Ask a pharmacist or doctor to check whether painkillers or other medicines are worsening reflux before changing them. Keep fluids adequate and maintain safe movement suited to your abilities.

Arrange medical advice if symptoms are frequent, worsening, or affecting eating, sleep, or swallowing. Seek urgent help for severe or new chest tightness, breathlessness, faintness, vomiting blood, black stools, repeated vomiting, or food sticking. Unintentional weight loss or persistent abdominal pain also deserves prompt assessment.

Could any of my medicines be contributing to reflux? Is my night-time cough related to reflux or another condition? Would a treatment review be safer than trying a supplement? What symptoms should prompt an urgent call?