This page was developed in partnership with London International Patient Services.

We understand that dealing with acid reflux can be uncomfortable and confusing. Here are answers to some of the most common questions people in the UK have about this condition, designed to help you understand what’s happening and how to find relief.

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux, also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR), is when stomach acid flows backward up into your oesophagus – the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach. Think of it like a one-way street where sometimes traffic goes the wrong way, irritating the delicate lining of your oesophagus.  

What causes acid reflux?

Acid reflux is primarily caused by a problem with the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS). This is a ring of muscle at the bottom of your oesophagus that acts like a valve. Normally, it opens to allow food to pass into your stomach and then closes to prevent stomach acid from flowing back up. When the LOS is weak or doesn’t close properly, stomach acid can escape and irritate the lining of your oesophagus.  

Several factors can contribute to this:

• Hiatus hernia: Where part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm.  
• Increased pressure on the abdomen: Due to being overweight or obese, pregnancy, or tight clothing.  
• Delayed stomach emptying: Food stays in your stomach for longer.
• Certain foods and drinks: Such as fatty or spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods.  
• Some medicines: Including some painkillers and asthma treatments.

Are acid reflux and heartburn the same thing?

It’s easy to get these terms mixed up! Heartburn is actually a very common symptom of acid reflux. It’s that uncomfortable burning feeling you often get in the chest, sometimes rising up towards your neck or throat. So, while acid reflux is the underlying process, heartburn is one of the main ways you might feel it.  

Can acid reflux cause a cough?

Yes, absolutely. When stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus, it can sometimes irritate your airways, leading to a chronic or persistent cough, especially at night. This is often called a reflux cough. If you’re experiencing a cough that doesn’t seem to be related to a cold or allergies, acid reflux could be the culprit.  

Can acid reflux cause a sore throat?

Unfortunately, yes. Just like with a cough, the irritating stomach acid can also reach your throat, causing inflammation and that scratchy, uncomfortable feeling of a sore throat. You might also experience hoarseness or a change in your voice due to this irritation.  

What does acid reflux feel like?

Acid reflux can feel different for everyone, but some common sensations include:

• Heartburn:
  • A burning pain behind your breastbone that can move up to your neck and throat.  
• Regurgitation:
  • A sour or bitter taste in your mouth or the feeling of food or liquid coming back up.  
• Bloating:
  • A feeling of fullness or pressure in your stomach.
• Burping:
  • Frequent or excessive belching.
• Throat lump
  • Sometimes, you might even feel a lump in your throat (globus sensation).

When is acid reflux serious?

While occasional acid reflux is common, it becomes serious when it’s frequent, persistent (more than twice a week), or causes bothersome symptoms that interfere with your daily life. This is often diagnosed as GORD (Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease). It’s also serious if you experience warning signs like:

• Severe chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)  
• Unexplained weight loss  
• Vomiting blood or black, tarry stools
• Choking or coughing frequently, especially at night  

These symptoms warrant a visit to your GP to rule out complications and get appropriate treatment.

When does acid reflux get into lungs?

This is a serious concern called aspiration. It can happen when stomach contents, including acid, travel up the oesophagus and are inhaled into the lungs. This is more likely to occur during sleep when your reflexes are relaxed. Aspiration can lead to serious complications like aspiration pneumonia or worsen existing respiratory conditions like asthma. If you suspect you might be aspirating reflux, it’s crucial to seek medical attention from your GP or at your local A&E (Accident and Emergency) if severe.  

Which acid reflux medication is linked to dementia?

Some studies have suggested a potential link between the long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), a type of acid reflux medication, and a slightly increased risk of dementia in some individuals. However, the research is ongoing, and the link is not yet fully understood. It’s important to have an open conversation with your GP about the risks and benefits of any long-term medication, including PPIs, and to use them as directed. They can help you weigh the options based on your individual health situation.  

Who gets acid reflux?

Acid reflux is a very common condition that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds in the UK. However, certain factors can increase your risk, including:

• Being overweight or obese  
• Pregnancy  
• A hiatus hernia  
• Smoking  
• Certain dietary habits  
• Some medications

Why acid reflux at night?

Acid reflux can often feel worse at night due to several factors:

• Lying down: When you’re lying flat, gravity no longer helps keep stomach acid down.  
• Reduced swallowing: During sleep, you swallow less frequently, which normally helps clear acid from the oesophagus.  
• Slower stomach emptying: Digestion may slow down at night.

These factors can lead to more prolonged contact of stomach acid with the lining of your food pipe (oesophagus) while you sleep.  

Will acid reflux go away?

Occasional, mild acid reflux often goes away on its own with lifestyle changes and/or over-the-counter remedies you can get from a pharmacy. However, if you have GORD (chronic acid reflux), it’s a condition that often requires ongoing management. While the symptoms can be significantly controlled with lifestyle modifications, medication prescribed by your GP, and sometimes medical procedures, it might not completely “go away” for everyone. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve your quality of life.  

When should I consider seeing a surgeon?

For individuals seeking longer-term relief from persistent and troublesome GORD that hasn’t responded well to lifestyle changes and medication, anti-reflux surgery might be an option. This type of surgery aims to strengthen the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) to prevent stomach acid from flowing back up. If you are finding that your acid reflux significantly impacts your daily life and you are looking for a more permanent solution, it’s worth discussing this with your GP or gastroenterologist. They can assess your suitability for surgery and, if appropriate, refer you to a surgeon who specialises in these procedures. It’s important to understand the risks and benefits of surgery, and your medical team will be able to provide you with detailed information to help you make an informed decision.  

What to drink for heartburn?

Choosing the right drinks can help soothe your symptoms:

• Water: Is generally the best choice, as it can help dilute stomach acid.
• Herbal teas: Chamomile, ginger, and liquorice root tea may be soothing. (Avoid peppermint and spearmint teas.)  
• Low-fat or non-dairy milk: Can provide temporary relief for some.  
• Juices: Low-acid fruit and vegetable juices like carrot or aloe vera juice.  

Which acid reflux medicine works fastest?

Antacids generally work the fastest to relieve occasional heartburn and mild acid reflux symptoms. They neutralise the stomach acid on contact, providing relief within minutes. However, their effect is usually short-lived. You can find these at your local pharmacy.

What to do during an acid reflux attack?

While you can’t “get rid” of reflux instantly, here are some things that may provide quick relief during an attack:

• Stand up: Gravity can help keep stomach acid down.  
• Sip water: This can help wash acid down your oesophagus.  
• Loosen tight clothing: To relieve pressure on your abdomen.
• Take an antacid: These neutralise stomach acid and can provide relief within minutes.
• Try ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that may help.  
• Chew sugar-free gum: This can stimulate saliva production, which can help clear acid.  

We hope this comprehensive FAQ section helps you better understand acid reflux in the UK context. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and there are many ways to find relief and manage your symptoms. If you have more questions about your condition, do not hesitate to book an appointment to find out more information.