Acid reflux is where stomach acid travels up to your throat from your stomach. It can cause a burning feeling in your chest called heartburn.
Symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
It's not always obvious what causes acid reflux. It can be caused or made worse by some foods and drinks, stress or pregnancy.
You can help heartburn and acid reflux by eating smaller meals and not eating too to bedtime. Medicines like antacids can also help.
Symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
The main symptoms of acid reflux are:
You may also have:
Your symptoms will probably be worse after eating, when lying down and when bending over.
You can help heartburn and acid reflux by eating smaller meals and not eating too to bedtime. Medicines like antacids can also help.
Simple lifestyle changes can help stop or reduce heartburn.
eat smaller, more frequent meals
raise 1 end of your bed 10 to 20cm by putting something under your bed or mattress – your chest and head should be above the level of your waist, so stomach acid does not travel up towards your throat
try to lose weight if you're overweight
try to find ways to relax
do not have food or drink that triggers your symptoms
do not eat within 3 or 4 hours before bed
do not wear clothes that are tight around your waist
do not smoke
do not drink too much alcohol
do not stop taking any prescribed medicine without speaking to a doctor first
A GP may prescribe a medicine called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces how much acid your stomach makes. PPIs include:
You'll usually need to take this type of medicine for 4 or 8 weeks, depending on how serious your acid reflux is.
Go back to the GP if your symptoms return after stopping your medicine. You may need a long-term prescription.
If medicines do not help or your symptoms are severe, a GP may refer you to a specialist for:
It's not always obvious what causes acid reflux. It can be caused or made worse by some foods and drinks, stress or pregnancy.