What should you know about persistent acid reflux?

Reflux happens when stomach contents move upwards into the food pipe. It may cause a burning feeling behind the breastbone, a sour taste, throat irritation, cough or disturbed sleep. A hiatus hernia can contribute by changing the position of the stomach and the valve that normally helps limit backflow. Weight can also influence pressure around the stomach. Persistent symptoms are not proof of one particular cause, and chest symptoms can have causes unrelated to reflux.

Keep a brief record of meals, medicines, timing and symptoms. Smaller meals, avoiding lying down soon after eating, and raising the head end of the bed may reduce night-time symptoms. Notice personal triggers rather than removing large groups of foods without advice. A clinician may review medicines, assess swallowing and discuss acid-reducing treatment. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without checking first.

Arrange a clinical review when symptoms keep returning, interfere with sleep, or need frequent self-treatment. Seek urgent help for chest pressure or tightness with breathlessness, sweating, faintness or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. Prompt assessment is also needed for difficulty swallowing, food sticking, vomiting blood, black stools, repeated vomiting or unexplained weight loss.

Ask whether your pattern fits acid reflux, whether another condition should be considered, how long a treatment trial should last, and which symptoms require urgent help. Take your symptom record and a list of medicines, including non-prescription products.