Acid Reflux
A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) is the most common symptom. Often triggered by spicy foods, coffee, or lying down after meals. Frequent reflux may indicate GERD, which requires medical management.
🚨 Seek urgent help if
Acid reflux with any of these:
- Vomiting blood or coffee‑ground material
- Black, tarry stools (possible bleeding)
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pain that feels heavy / crushing (may be heart)
📞 Call GP or Nearly HCE if
If you have:
- Heartburn most days for 3 weeks or more
- Frequent regurgitation (sour taste)
- OTC remedies don’t help
- Night‑time reflux disturbing sleep
- Chronic cough / hoarseness
Common Symptoms & Related Causes
| Symptom / sensation | Possible condition |
|---|---|
| Burning behind breastbone, after meals | Acid reflux / Heartburn |
| Sour liquid in throat (regurgitation) | GERD (gastro‑oesophageal reflux) |
| Chronic cough, hoarseness, lump in throat | Laryngopharyngeal reflux (silent reflux) |
| Chest tightness with exertion / jaw pain | Angina or heart attack – emergency |
| Sharp pain when swallowing | Oesophagitis or ulcer |
Causes & triggers by category
Fatty / spicy meals: relax lower oesophageal sphincter (LES).
Citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint: common triggers.
Coffee, alcohol, smoking: increase acid production / relax LES.
Large meals / lying down: promote reflux.
Hiatus hernia: stomach pushes above diaphragm, weakens barrier.
Gastroparesis: delayed stomach emptying.
Pregnancy: hormonal + mechanical pressure.
Obesity: increases intra‑abdominal pressure.
NSAIDs: ibuprofen, aspirin – irritate oesophagus.
Bisphosphonates: for osteoporosis.
Calcium channel blockers: may relax LES.
Iron / potassium supplements: can cause oesophagitis.
Diagnostic procedures
PPI trial
High‑dose proton pump inhibitor for 2–4 weeks – if symptoms improve, reflux is likely.
Upper endoscopy
Camera to check oesophagitis, Barrett’s, or stricture.
24h pH monitoring
Measures acid exposure in distal oesophagus.
Oesophageal manometry
Tests LES pressure and muscle contractions.
