Nighttime acid reflux: what to know

Acid reflux happens when stomach contents flow upwards into the oesophagus, causing burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, throat irritation, or a cough. Lying flat removes gravity's help, and a full stomach can increase upward pressure. A hiatus hernia may contribute by changing the position of the stomach and the valve at the lower oesophagus. Repeated night symptoms may also cause difficulty sleeping and morning throat discomfort. A cough can occur with reflux, but cough may have other causes, including chronic cough conditions.

Try finishing dinner several hours before bed and choose a smaller evening meal. Notice whether rich, spicy, acidic, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks and foods trigger your symptoms, then discuss patterns with a clinician rather than removing many foods unnecessarily. Raising the upper body with a wedge or bed elevation may help; stacking loose pillows can bend the waist and increase pressure. Sleeping on your left side may reduce backflow for some people. A pharmacist or doctor can advise whether an antacid, alginate, or acid-lowering medicine fits your symptoms and other medicines.

Arrange a medical assessment if symptoms recur, regularly disturb sleep, or do not settle with sensible changes. Seek urgent help for chest tightness with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back, because heart problems can resemble reflux. Get prompt care for vomiting blood, black stools, persistent vomiting, food sticking, unexplained weight loss, or severe abdominal pain.

Ask whether your pattern fits acid reflux, whether another condition such as a hiatus hernia should be considered, and which treatment is suitable for your medicines. Mention night-time cough, sleep disruption, chest sensations, and exactly when symptoms follow meals.