Acid reflux is when acid from your stomach rises into your oesophagus (the tube that connects your throat and stomach). Here we look at the symptoms of acid reflux, some ways you can prevent it and available treatment options.
Acid reflux is when the acid in your stomach rises up or ‘refluxes’ into your oesophagus. Symptoms of acid reflux include:
Reflux can happen when the muscle at the lower end of the oesophagus, called the sphincter, is weak. This muscle usually keeps food, liquid, and acid in the stomach.
Being overweight or pregnant can increase the risk of reflux. Some foods can affect the muscle ring around the top of your stomach which can make reflux symptoms worse. Everyone is different, but many people say they experience acid reflux symptoms when they eat or drink:
If you experience reflux regularly, such as every few days or even every day, it’s worth speaking to your doctor about what treatments might help. If you have other symptoms including weight loss, difficulty or pain swallowing or vomiting of blood or if treatment isn’t working then your doctor might order special tests.
Some foods can make acid reflux symptoms worse so it’s helpful to take a note of what your own triggers are and try to avoid them. It might help to avoid fatty foods, coffee, chocolate, alcohol or carbonated drinks.
As being overweight can put more pressure on your stomach, losing weight can often lessen the symptoms. If you smoke, quitting smoking may help improve reflux symptoms.
Other acid reflux remedies or tips:
If these changes don’t help or the triggers can’t be avoided, medications available without a prescription (like Zantac), when taken as directed, can be helpful in providing relief from acid reflux.
Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications to make sure they are right for you.
Zantac tablets work by targeting the acid at its source. They reduce the production of stomach acid so less acid rises up to burn. One easy to swallow Zantac tablet starts to work in a little as 30 minutes1-3, and provides long-lasting relief from acid reflux. Long lasting relief means you can continue to enjoy spending time with your loved ones without the uncomfortable feeling of acid reflux.
Zantac provides relief that lasts for up to 12 hours and Zantac Double Strength provides relief that lasts for up to 24 hours.
Acid reflux occurs when the acid in your stomach leaks (or refluxes) up into your oesophagus (the tube that connects your throat and stomach). Heartburn is the main symptom of acid reflux.
Heartburn is that uncomfortable burning feeling or pain that rises up from your chest and is linked to stomach acid leaking up into your oesophagus (the tube that connects your throat and stomach).
Most people don’t need to seek advice from their GP for acid reflux. If your acid reflux occurs regularly, for example, a few days a week or even every day, it might need further investigation and treatment.
If you are experiencing acid reflux often or changes to your diet and lifestyle or over-the-counter medicines aren’t working (or you think you’re relying on them too much) other treatments might be needed and you should see your doctor.
Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following:
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