Acid reflux happens when stomach contents flow back up into the food pipe (oesophagus). When it causes troublesome symptoms or damage, it is called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Common symptoms
- Heartburn, a burning feeling behind the breastbone
- A sour or bitter taste, or food coming back up
- Upper abdominal discomfort or bloating after meals
- Chronic cough, hoarseness or a feeling of a lump in the throat
How it is assessed
Many people are treated on the basis of their symptoms. A gastroscopy is recommended when symptoms persist despite treatment, start later in life, or come with warning signs. It can show inflammation (oesophagitis), a hiatus hernia, Barrett’s oesophagus or other causes. Specialised tests such as 24-hour pH monitoring are used in selected cases.
Treatment
- Smaller meals, not lying down within about three hours of eating, raising the head of the bed, and losing weight if needed
- Cutting down on triggers that affect you, such as alcohol, coffee, fatty or spicy food, and smoking
- Acid-reducing medicines such as proton pump inhibitors, used at the lowest dose that controls symptoms
When to see a specialist
- Symptoms that return when medicines are stopped, or need long-term treatment
- Difficulty or pain on swallowing, weight loss, vomiting, black stools or anaemia
- New symptoms after the age of about 50
General information only. Reviewed by Dr Chia Chung King, 2026-11-07. Book a consultation.