What should you know about over the counter for acid reflux?

Antacids neutralise acid already in the stomach and may act quickly for occasional burning. Alginates can form a floating barrier that reduces reflux into the food pipe. Acid-reducing medicines, such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors, reduce acid production and may be more useful when symptoms recur. The right choice depends on symptom pattern, other medicines, pregnancy, and medical conditions.

Reflux may cause a sour taste, burning behind the breastbone, throat irritation, cough, or disturbed sleep. A hiatus hernia and obesity can contribute to reflux, while a chronic cough may have several causes.

Read the product label and use the smallest amount that controls symptoms for the stated duration. Keep antacids separate from some prescription medicines because they can affect absorption; a pharmacist can check your full medication list. Avoid lying down soon after eating, identify foods or drinks that trigger symptoms, and consider raising the head of the bed if night-time reflux is troublesome.

Do not keep self-treating frequent symptoms without review. A pharmacist or clinician can help decide whether a short course is suitable and whether another diagnosis should be considered.

Seek urgent help for chest tightness with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw, because reflux symptoms can overlap with heart problems. Arrange prompt medical review for trouble swallowing, food sticking, vomiting blood, black stools, repeated vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or persistent abdominal pain.

Ask which product fits your symptoms, how long to try it, whether it interacts with your medicines, and whether recurring night symptoms or cough need investigation.