Acid reflux can include burping, rising stomach acid, an irritated throat and swallowing problems. You may also experience pain and a burning sensation behind your sternum. This is caused by stomach acid backing up into your oesophagus. The risk of acid reflux can particularly increase if you have increased pressure in your abdomen, because you strain, cough or are overweight. You may also experience more pain when you bend or lie down.
Acid reflux will result in you suffering from:
- Burping tendencies.
- Stomach acid in your mouth. This can leave a bad taste in your mouth and bad smelling breath.
- A burning sensation behind your sternum.
- Pain and pressure behind your sternum.
- An irritated throat.
- A cough.
- A hoarse voice.
- Swallowing problems.
- A lump in your throat.
The most important thing is to try and avoid the build-up of pressure in your abdomen. This pressure increases the risk of acid reflux symptoms. You can do this by:
- Maintaining a healthy diet.
- Losing weight if you’re overweight. If you’re unable to do this on your own, seek help from a dietician or other specialist.
- Eating small portions so your stomach isn’t full right away.
- Raising your head by 10 centimetres while sleeping. For example, by putting an extra pillow under your pillow.
- Taking antacids or acid suppressants. These are available from the chemist or your pharmacy. Obtain good advice about the use of these products.
You should contact your GP if your symptoms have not disappeared after two weeks, or if they worsen.