Overview
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach (oesophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of the oesophagus. While many people experience acid reflux occasionally, GERD is when it occurs regularly and causes troublesome symptoms or complications. It is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions worldwide.
Causes and risk factors
The following factors are associated with the development of GERD (Acid Reflux / Heartburn):
- Weakening of lower oesophageal sphincter
- Hiatus hernia — stomach bulges above diaphragm
- Obesity — increased abdominal pressure
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Certain foods: fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods
- Large meals or lying down after eating
- Certain medications: aspirin, NSAIDs, some blood pressure medications
- Delayed gastric emptying
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of GERD (Acid Reflux / Heartburn) include:
- Heartburn — burning sensation in chest after eating, worse when lying down
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Sensation of a lump in throat
- Chronic cough, especially at night
- Laryngitis and hoarse voice
- New or worsening asthma
- Disrupted sleep
- Nausea
- Chest pain
Diagnosis
GERD (Acid Reflux / Heartburn) is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and appropriate investigations such as blood tests, imaging, or specialist review, depending on the specific condition and presentation. Your doctor will consider all relevant symptoms and risk factors before making a diagnosis.
Treatment options
Treatment approaches for GERD (Acid Reflux / Heartburn) may include:
- Lifestyle modifications: smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, not lying down for 3 hours after eating
- Elevating head of bed
- Weight loss
- Antacids for immediate symptom relief
- H2 blockers (famotidine, ranitidine)
- Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole) — most effective medication
- Promotility agents in some cases
- Surgery (fundoplication) for severe cases not responding to medications
Prevention
Maintain healthy weight, eat smaller meals, avoid trigger foods and alcohol, stop smoking, do not eat close to bedtime, elevate head of bed.
Complications
If left untreated or poorly managed, GERD (Acid Reflux / Heartburn) can lead to complications including:
Oesophagitis, oesophageal stricture, Barrett's oesophagus (precancerous changes), and small increased risk of oesophageal cancer.
Sources and references: This article is written in accordance with NHS UK, WHO, and Mayo Clinic clinical guidelines. It is reviewed for accuracy by the SymptomSense content team. ICD-10 code: K21. Last reviewed June 2026.