When should you worry about abdominal pain if you have acid reflux?

Acid Reflux occurs when stomach contents move upwards and irritate the food pipe. Discomfort may be felt in the upper abdomen or behind the breastbone and can follow meals, lying down or bending. Pain that is new, intense, steadily worsening or different from your usual reflux may have another cause and should not be attributed to acid alone.

Arrange an appointment if symptoms keep returning, disrupt sleep, need frequent self-treatment, or do not improve with your usual plan. Record meals, timing, position, medicines and associated symptoms. Eat smaller meals, avoid lying down soon after eating, and avoid personal triggers. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without discussing it with a clinician.

Seek emergency help for chest pressure, pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back, sweating, faintness or breathlessness. Get urgent assessment for vomiting blood, black stools, repeated vomiting, a rigid or very tender abdomen, severe sudden pain, fever with worsening pain, or trouble swallowing.

Ask whether the pain fits reflux, whether another cause needs checking, how long to follow your treatment plan, and which warning signs should prompt urgent help. Share any swallowing difficulty, bleeding, appetite change, weight change and medicines.