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Acid Reflux

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7 FAQs

Acid reflux, also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), is a common digestive condition where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus (food pipe). This occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter, a ring of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus, doesn't close properly. The backwash of acid irritates the lining of the oesophagus, causing inflammation and discomfort. If left untreated, persistent acid reflux can lead to complications such as oesophagitis, strictures, or Barrett's oesophagus.

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Advice for Acid Reflux

Common symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest), regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, and the feeling of a lump in the throat. Some people also experience chest pain, hoarseness (especially in the morning), persistent cough, laryngitis, or worsening asthma symptoms. Symptoms often worsen after eating, when lying down, or at night. Some people may also experience bad breath, nausea, or tooth erosion over time.

Acid Reflux FAQs (7)

Acid reflux, or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. This happens when the valve between the stomach and oesophagus doesn't close properly, causing irritation of the oesophageal lining and resulting in heartburn and other symptoms.

Acid reflux can be caused by several factors, including hiatus hernia, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, certain foods and drinks, and some medications. Anything that increases pressure on the abdomen or weakens the lower oesophageal sphincter can contribute to reflux.

The most common symptoms include heartburn (a burning sensation behind the breastbone), regurgitation of food or bitter liquid, difficulty swallowing, and the sensation of a lump in the throat. Some people also experience a chronic cough, hoarseness, or disrupted sleep.

GPs typically diagnose acid reflux based on your symptoms and medical history. If symptoms are severe or don't respond to treatment, you may be referred for tests such as an endoscopy, pH monitoring test, or barium swallow X-ray.

Common trigger foods include spicy foods, fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato-based products, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, and alcohol. However, triggers vary between individuals, so keeping a food diary can help identify your personal triggers.

Yes, stress can worsen acid reflux symptoms. While it doesn't typically cause reflux on its own, stress can increase acid production, heighten sensitivity to acid, and lead to behaviours that trigger reflux, such as eating quickly or consuming trigger foods.

National Health Service (NHS)

GORD overview: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gastro-oesophageal-reflux-disease-gord/

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

GORD management guidelines: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/gord-dyspepsia/

British Society of Gastroenterology

Guidelines for diagnosis and management of GORD: https://www.bsg.org.uk/clinical-resource/diagnosis-and-management-of-gastro-oesophageal-reflux-disease-gord/

Patient.info

Acid reflux and GORD: https://patient.info/digestive-health/acid-reflux-and-oesophagitis

British National Formulary (BNF)

Drugs for dyspepsia and GORD: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-summaries/dyspepsia-and-gastro-oesophageal-reflux-disease/

CORE (Digestive Disorders Foundation)

Heartburn and reflux information: https://corecharity.org.uk/conditions/heartburn-reflux/