Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach travels back up into the oesophagus (the gullet), the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This can cause symptoms such as heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest), a sour taste, or food and fluid rising in the throat. When symptoms are frequent, persistent, or accompanied by other issues such as difficulty swallowing, this may indicate GORD. If left untreated, GORD can sometimes lead to complications, including inflammation, scarring and an increased risk of oesophageal cancer over time.

There are many possible triggers and contributing factors for reflux, along with a range of effective treatments and lifestyle strategies. Understanding these can help you better manage your digestive health and improve your overall comfort.

Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Knowing the signs can help you determine if acid reflux is the root cause of your ill health. The most common acid reflux symptoms include:

• Heartburn – a burning sensation in the chest, often after eating
• Sour taste in the mouth
• Regurgitation of food and drink
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, often called indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Bloating
• Belching
• Persistent cough
• Sore throat or hoarseness
• Worsening symptoms when lying down or at night

“Frequent heartburn is never ‘normal’
– getting it checked early makes all the difference.”
– Dr. James Evans

Managing Acid Reflux: What You Can Do

The good news? For many people, simple lifestyle changes are enough to keep acid reflux under control.

Keeping a symptom diary can help you recognise your personal triggers, allowing you to identify the most effective remedies.

Here are some medically approved strategies you can try at home:

	Cut back on your trigger foods			Reduce caffeine and alcohol
	Eat smaller meals			Stop smoking
	Avoid eating late at night			Sleep smart: Elevate the head of your bed and sleep on your left side
	Avoid slouching or lying down straight after meals			Regular cardio can aid digestion and support weight management
	Maintain a healthy weight			Over-the-counter antacids and alginates

When to See a Doctor

If lifestyle tweaks and over-the-counter remedies aren’t cutting it, it’s time to speak to a doctor. Persistent or severe symptoms could indicate something more serious.

Red flags to watch for:
🚩 Heartburn more than twice a week
🚩 Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of food getting stuck
🚩 Unexplained weight loss
🚩 Chest pain not related to heart issues
🚩 Symptoms that don’t improve after taking over-the-counter medications

Whilst you can reach out to your GP if you’re unsure about a diagnosis, you’ve likely been suffering from these symptoms for a while and are fairly certain in the help you require. Coming straight to a specialist in gastrointestinal health here at One Stop Healthcare will get you the answers you need promptly. A consultation with a member of our Digestive Health Centre costs as little as £200.

You may be referred for further testing, such as an endoscopy, to check for inflammation, ulcers or other complications. An endoscopy at One Stop Healthcare, will cost around £1,750 and can often be carried out within 24 hours of your initial consultation. After follow-up testing, your doctor may recommend prescription medications or in more severe cases, surgical options.