Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Acid reflux happens when stomach contents move back into the oesophagus and irritate its lining.

The lower oesophageal sphincter is a muscular valve at the junction of the oesophagus and stomach. Reflux can occur when this valve relaxes at an unsuitable time or does not close firmly enough. Repeated troublesome reflux may be called GORD or GERD.

Heartburn and indigestion are frequent presentations of acid reflux. A burning feeling can rise from the upper abdomen or chest towards the throat, often after eating or when lying down. Some people also notice sour fluid in the mouth, excessive burping, nausea, hiccups, a hoarse voice or a sore throat.

Reflux may interfere with sleep when symptoms occur after an evening meal or on lying flat. Difficulty swallowing needs medical assessment, especially when it is new, worsening, or accompanied by pain, vomiting, unexplained weight change, or bleeding.

Meals can stretch the stomach and make reflux more likely, particularly if a person lies down soon afterwards. Fatty foods, spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, fizzy drinks and chocolate trigger symptoms for some people, but triggers differ from person to person.

Pregnancy, increased pressure within the abdomen and a hiatus hernia can also make reflux more likely. Some medicines may irritate the stomach or affect the valve; a clinician or pharmacist can review these without stopping a prescribed medicine abruptly.

Symptoms may come and go with meals, posture and individual triggers. A short-lived flare can settle with practical changes, while recurrent symptoms deserve review so that treatment can be matched to the pattern and other causes can be considered.

Smoking can reduce the effectiveness of the lower oesophageal sphincter. Large meals, tight clothing around the abdomen, lying down after eating and excess body weight can increase abdominal pressure or make symptoms more noticeable.

A clinician usually starts by asking about the timing of symptoms, food and medicine use, swallowing, sleep and any warning signs. Examination and a treatment trial may be appropriate. Persistent or concerning symptoms can lead to tests such as an examination of the oesophagus or monitoring of acid exposure.

Treatment can include changes to meals and daily habits, antacid or alginate products, and medicines that reduce stomach acid. The right option depends on symptom frequency, other health conditions and medicines already in use. Take treatment as directed and arrange follow-up if symptoms continue despite it.

Keeping a simple record of meals, symptoms and timing can make patterns easier to spot. Choose smaller portions if large meals provoke symptoms, and discuss nutrition support when adapting eating habits feels difficult.

Seek urgent medical care for severe chest pain, breathing difficulty, vomiting blood, black stools, fainting, or a sudden inability to swallow. These symptoms need prompt assessment because they can have causes beyond reflux.

A GP can assess recurring reflux, review medicines and decide whether referral is needed. Bring a list of symptoms, triggers and treatments already tried to the appointment.