What it is
Lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller meals and raising the head of the bed, and antacids or medicines that reduce stomach acid usually help.
Long-lasting reflux can damage the food pipe, so persistent symptoms should be checked.
Common signs
- Burning feeling in the middle of the chest
- Unpleasant sour taste in the mouth
- Cough or hiccups that keep coming back
- Hoarse voice
- Bloating and feeling sick
How it is usually diagnosed
- Usually based on symptoms
- Endoscopy (gastroscopy) if symptoms persist or there are warning signs
- pH monitoring, sometimes
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Endoscopy reports
- A list of medicines tried
- Gastroenterology letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which lifestyle changes would help most?
- How long should I take acid-reducing medicine?
- Do I need an endoscopy?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Chest pain spreading to the arm or jaw, vomiting blood, black poo or difficulty swallowing: get urgent medical help
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.