Symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux

Acid reflux happens when stomach contents move upwards into the oesophagus. The irritation may feel like a burning sensation after meals, when bending, or when lying down. Some people notice a sour taste, repeated throat clearing, hoarseness, cough, or discomfort rather than classic heartburn. A hiatus hernia or increased pressure in the abdomen, including with obesity, can make reflux more likely. These symptoms can have other causes, so a pattern alone does not establish a diagnosis.

Keep a short record of meals, symptoms, medicines, and night-time episodes. Smaller meals, avoiding food close to bedtime, and raising the upper body during sleep may reduce episodes for some people. Notice personal triggers such as spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, or smoking rather than removing large groups of foods without a reason. A clinician can discuss suitable treatment if symptoms keep returning.

Get emergency help for chest tightness or pain with breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, back, jaw, or neck. Arrange prompt medical review for trouble swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools, repeated vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms that are persistent or changing. Do not assume new chest symptoms are reflux.

Ask whether your symptoms fit acid reflux, whether another condition needs checking, and which medicines are appropriate. Ask how long to try a treatment, what side effects to report, and when persistent cough or sleep difficulty needs further evaluation.