MedDroid
Ask MedDroid
Acid Reflux (GERD)
Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe (oesophagus), causing heartburn. When it happens often, it is called GERD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease).
Causes & risk factors
- A weak valve (lower oesophageal sphincter) at the top of the stomach
- Being overweight, which raises pressure on the stomach
- Large, oily or spicy meals, and eating late at night
- Hiatus hernia — part of the stomach slips up through the diaphragm
- Smoking, alcohol, tea, coffee and fizzy drinks
- Pregnancy
Common symptoms
- Heartburn (burning behind the breastbone)
- Chest discomfort, worse lying down
- Nausea or a sour taste in the mouth
- Upper tummy discomfort
- Dry cough or throat clearing, worse at night
- Sore or hoarse throat
Tests & diagnosis
- Diagnosis is often clinical (from symptoms)
- Upper GI endoscopy (if red flags or no improvement)
- 24-hour oesophageal pH study
- CBC (to check for anaemia)
Treatment & management
- Lifestyle first: lose excess weight, eat smaller meals, avoid late-night eating
- Raise the head of the bed and avoid trigger foods (spicy, oily, caffeine, alcohol)
- Stop smoking
- Antacids or alginates for quick relief
- Acid-suppressing medicines such as proton-pump inhibitors, on medical advice
- Surgery (fundoplication) is rare, for severe cases not responding to medicines
When to see a doctor urgently
- Difficulty or pain on swallowing, or food sticking
- Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools
- Unexplained weight loss or persistent vomiting
- Heartburn that keeps coming back despite treatment
Frequently asked questions
Is acid reflux dangerous?
Occasional reflux is harmless. Long-standing, untreated GERD can inflame or narrow the food pipe, so persistent symptoms should be reviewed, especially with any difficulty swallowing.
What foods make reflux worse?
Common triggers are spicy and oily food, large meals, tea, coffee, chocolate, fizzy drinks, alcohol and smoking. Eating late at night also worsens it.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.