Symptoms
- Burning chest after eating
- Sour taste in mouth
- Bloating and belching
- Night-time cough or hoarse voice
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.
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.
Available without prescription