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Before we can issue a treatment, you’ll need to answer a short assessment. This assessment will help us recommend the right treatment for you.
Acid reflux is a common digestive condition that affects millions of people globally. It is also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux (GER/GERD) or heartburn. It occurs when stomach acid goes up into your throat area. This can be for a number of reasons, including the types of food you are eating or the times of day. Answer the questions in our online consultation, available by clicking any of the treatments below, and our prescribers will recommend the best treatment for your condition.
Acid reflux, indigestion, or heartburn are common digestive problems that are really uncomfortable, but they are not always a disease. However, if you experience acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD/GER).
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD/GERD) is when stomach acid leaks out of the stomach into the oesophagus (the food pipe/tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach).
It can cause a burning sensation in the chest called heartburn. Other irritated symptoms of acid reflux include chest pain, regurgitation (bringing up food or liquid from the stomach), difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, and a sour taste in the mouth.
This condition can affect people of all ages, occurs in one in five people and is most common in adults aged 40 and over. Proton pump inhibitors are a class of medication that treat Acid Reflux. They work by suppressing the production of stomach acid, which counteracts the symptoms of acid reflux.
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a ring of muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. It acts as a valve or a small door, preventing stomach acid and contents from flowing back up into the esophagus. It usually closes tightly after food passes through. But sometimes it doesn't close all the way, or it opens too often. When this happens, excessive stomach acid can flow back up into our esophagus. This can cause a burning feeling in our chest called heartburn.
Anyone can develop acid reflux, but some people are at higher risk than others. Risk factors for acid reflux include:
Smoking: Smoking weakens the LES and damages the lining of the esophagus, making it more susceptible to acid damage.
If you are experiencing acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week, or if your symptoms are severe or persistent, it is important to see a doctor to rule out GERD.
A hiatal hernia is a common cause of acid reflux and occurs when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a large muscle that separates the abdomen and the chest and helps keep the acid in the stomach.
Having a hiatal hernia means acid is able to freely move into the oesophagus and cause acid reflux symptoms. Other risk factors of acid reflux include those who are obese, pregrant, smokers or those who suffer from stress/anxiety. Some medication such as ibuprofen and aspirin can also cause acid reflux as a side effect.
Eating large meals or eating 3-4 hours before bed is associated with causing acid reflux as there is not enough time for the food to be processed in the stomach before lying down, therefore symptoms of acid reflux will be more likely when lying down.
Heartburn - a burning sensation in the chest, usually worse when bending or lying down, or after meals.
An unpleasant, sour taste in the mouth, caused by stomach acid.
Difficulty swallowing
Some people suffer from long-term acid reflux. The chance of symptoms occurring can be reduced by having smaller meals more often rather than having large meals less frequently. Raising the head of your bed, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding dietary triggers will also reduce the chance of symptoms occurring.
There is no cure for acid reflux, however eating smaller portions more often, prescription medication and over the counter medication can treat the symptoms of acid reflux.