What are the treatment options for acid reflux?

Acid reflux happens when stomach contents move back towards the food pipe, causing symptoms such as burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste or regurgitation. The right approach depends on how often symptoms occur, whether they disturb sleep, and whether another problem could be causing them.

A GP can review your symptoms and medicines, check for warning features, and decide whether self-care, a medicine trial or further assessment is appropriate. Treatment is often adjusted according to your response rather than continued automatically.

Smaller meals, avoiding lying down soon after eating, and identifying foods or drinks that trigger symptoms can reduce reflux for some people. Raising the head end of the bed may help night-time symptoms. A nutrition counsellor can help you make practical changes without unnecessarily restricting your diet.

Acid reflux medication can reduce stomach acid or relieve symptoms. Use it exactly as directed, and tell a clinician about other medicines, pregnancy, or symptoms that continue despite treatment. Weight management support may be useful when body weight contributes to pressure on the stomach.

Arrange a GP consultation if symptoms are frequent, worsening, difficult to control, or affecting sleep or eating. Seek urgent medical help for chest pain with breathlessness, sweating or feeling faint, or for difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, or black stools.

Ask whether your symptoms fit acid reflux, how long to try a medicine, which triggers matter in your case, and whether persistent symptoms need testing or specialist review.