Acid Reflux Information

What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

Common symptoms of acid reflux as burning in the chest also known as heart burn. Patients may also complain of sour or sweet taste in the mouth especially in the mornings. Other symptoms to look out for is a presistent sore throats or an irritable cough

What Causes Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is caused by a weakness in the lower oesophageal sphincter, a muscle which is supposed to stop movement of acids back up the oesophagus. This results in acid from the stomach travelling up the oesophagus, causing a burning feeling in the chest.

7 Most Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux can have many symptoms but here is a list of the 7 most common ones:

1. Heartburn, which is an uncomfortable burning sensation or pain in the chest, that can occur after eating food and last for several hours. It can happen occasionally, or can be persistent if you have gastro-oesophagus reflux disease.
2. A sour or bitter taste in taste in the mouth – caused by stomach acid reaching the mouth.
3. Dry cough
4. Wheezing
5. Problems with your voice such as hoarseness
6. Bad breath
7. Nausea and/or vomiting

Acid reflux symptoms can happen or worsen after eating, bending or lying down. Diagnosis of acid reflux is usually made from the symptoms and physical examination. However, heartburn can seem similar to a heart attack, so it’s important to rule that out. If symptoms are persistent or severe, then further tests may be carried out, such as an endoscopy.

At Click2Pharmacy we offer various Acid Reflux treatments that can be delivered straight to your door

What is acid reflux caused by?

The stomach contains hydrochloric acid which helps to break down food. Acid reflux is caused by acid from the stomach traveling up into the oesophagus and even into the mouth. The acid irritates the lining of the oesophagus, causing it to become and inflamed and painful. At the bottom of the oesophagus there is a valve called the lower oesophageal sphincter, which is relaxes to allow food and water to pass into the stomach. If the sphincter is weak or relaxes too much, then stomach acid can travel back into the oesophagus.

It is very common to suffer from occasional acid reflux or heartburn without knowing the cause.  There are some triggers that can cause acid reflux, or make it worse. These include:

• Certain foods or drinks
• Eating large meals
• Smoking
• Being overweight
• Stress
• Low levels of exercise
• Pregnancy
• A hiatus hernia- a hole in the diaphragm which allows part of the stomach to move into the chest
• Some medications such as drugs for asthma, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatory pain killers (such as ibuprofen)

Acid reflux foods to avoid

There are certain foods and drinks that have been associated with acid reflux. It has been suggested that tobacco, chocolate, alcohol and coffee may cause relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter, and should be avoided. Other foods and habits that are also linked to acid reflux include:

• High intake of salt
• Low dietary fibre
• Having carbonated (fizzy) drinks and acidic juices
• Eating large meals
• Lying down within 3 hours of eating a meal

Acid reflux in pregnancy

Acid reflux in pregnancy is quite common, but can be very irritating and uncomfortable. In pregnancy, hormonal changes cause the lower oesophageal muscle to relax, which means the acids in the stomach may travel up. Secondly, as the baby grows in the uterus it puts pressure on the stomach, which causes acid and food to push back up.

In the first trimester, you may experience heartburn or acid reflux due to the oesophageal muscles moving food more slowly into your stomach. Your stomach may also take longer to empty. As the pregnancy progresses to the third trimester, the size of the baby can push against the stomach and affect its normal position.

Acid Reflux Medication and Treatments available

Acid Relux Suppressant 

Medication such as Gaviscon are known as acid suppressants

• Gaviscon liquid and tablets
• Peptac liquid

Acid Reflux tablets and capsules

For more persistant and severe acid reflux, oral capsules and tablets can be used known as Proton Pump Inhibitors:

• Omprazole Capsules
• Lansoprazole
• Esomeprazole Capsules

Below is a table of some popular acid reflux treatments available at Click2Pharmacy. Acne prescription medication can be purchased through the online clinic.

Do I need to see a doctor for my acid reflux?

If you acid reflux is ongoing or not settling after a course of month treatment, we advised you to see your GP for further investigations. Sometimes an infection such as H.Pylori can cause acid reflux symptoms. This can be tested using a stool sample.

If you are exeperience black colour stools or vomiting substance that looks like ground coffee ground you will require urgent attention from your GP or AE. If you have had unexplained weight lossand/or night sweats and you have symptoms of heart burn please see your GP on an urgent basis

Can acid reflux cause sore throats?

Yes, acid and contents from the stomach can reach the throat, making it feel irritated and sore.

Is there an acid reflux diet?

Although there is no specific acid reflux diet, there are foods and drinks that can make acid reflux worse, which include chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.

How can I reduce acid reflux in pregnancy?

You can reduce acid reflux in pregnancy by making changes to your diet and lifestyle. Eating healthily, and having smaller meals can help control symptoms. Keeping upright, and sleeping with your head slightly raised may also be useful.

When do I need to see a doctor for acid reflux?

Mild or occasional acid reflux can be treated with over-the-counter medicines from the pharmacy. If you are getting acid reflux more than several times a week, or your symptoms do not improve despite having treatment, then it is best to see your doctor. 

How can I treat acid reflux?

If you have mild symptoms, then you can make lifestyle and dietary changes. If you find these do not work then you can treat acid reflux with a range of medications which include over the counter antacids (such as Pepto Bismol) and alginates (e.g., Gaviscon). There are also proton pump inhibitors that work by reducing stomach acid. These include Omeprazole, Losec and Nexium.

Source of information: NHS