---
title: "Acid reflux & heartburn: symptoms, causes & treatment"
description: "Reflux happens when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus — causing burning, bloating and a sour taste."
url: "https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/conditions/acid-reflux/"
source: "Sanara Health"
licence: "Quote with attribution and a link to the url above."
---
# Acid reflux & heartburn: symptoms, causes & treatment

Reflux happens when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus — causing burning, bloating and a sour taste. Most cases respond to lifestyle changes and acid suppression.

Editorial information by **Kaiser Khan**. Not clinically reviewed.

## Symptoms

- Burning chest after eating
- Sour taste in mouth
- Bloating and belching
- Night-time cough or hoarse voice

## Why it happens

Weak lower oesophageal sphincter, hiatal hernia, obesity, alcohol, spicy food, and some medicines. Persistent reflux needs review to exclude other causes.

## Treatment

Prescription acid suppressants heal oesophagitis and control symptoms when pharmacy antacids are not enough.

## Self-care that helps

Smaller meals; avoid eating 3 hours before bed; reduce alcohol and caffeine; elevate head of bed; weight loss if overweight.

## When to get help

Difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, unexplained weight loss, or anaemia — urgent assessment needed.

[See our acid reflux & heartburn support →](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/medicines/acid-reflux/)

Go deeper

## Related guides

[Acid reflux treatment UK: heartburn tablets and when to worry — UK acid reflux and GORD treatment — prescription acid suppression, lifestyle changes and red-flag symptoms needing urgent care.](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/guides/acid-reflux-treatment-uk/)

Available without prescription

## Products that can help

[Everyday health — Vitamin D3: 1000 IU explained](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/vitamin-d3-1000iu/)

[Everyday health — Omega-3 fish oil](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/omega-3-fish-oil/)

[Everyday health — Daily multivitamins](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/daily-multivitamin/)