Remedies for severe acid reflux

Reflux happens when stomach contents move upward into the oesophagus. Burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste, throat irritation, cough or disturbed sleep can occur. A hiatus hernia, excess weight, certain foods, alcohol, smoking and medicines may contribute, but symptoms can occur without an obvious trigger.

Try smaller meals and avoid lying down soon after eating. Raise the head end of the bed rather than relying only on extra pillows, and notice whether fatty meals, spicy foods, coffee or late-night eating worsen symptoms. A pharmacist or doctor can advise whether an antacid, alginate or acid-reducing medicine is suitable. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice, and arrange a review if symptoms keep returning or affect eating, work or sleep.

Seek urgent help for severe or persistent chest tightness, breathlessness, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, or sudden difficulty swallowing. Arrange a medical appointment for unexplained weight loss, repeated vomiting, food sticking, or reflux that does not settle with sensible measures. Chest symptoms should not be assumed to be reflux.

Ask whether your symptoms fit reflux, whether another condition needs checking, how long a medicine trial should last, and which warning signs should prompt urgent review.