Symptoms
Acid Reflux
What is
Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is the condition where stomach contents, including acid, flow back into the oesophagus (food pipe), leading to symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation.
Here, we’ll cover the symptoms of acid reflux, how to help prevent it, and the treatment options available to help you find relief.
Acid Reflux Causes and Symptoms
Acid reflux is when the acid in your stomach rises up or ‘refluxes’ into your oesophagus.
Symptoms of acid reflux include:
- An uncomfortable or burning feeling, also known as heartburn
- Pain in upper abdomen or chest
- Feeling sick – nausea
- Indigestion – dyspepsia
- Regurgitation of food or fluid, leaving an acidic taste in your mouth
- A burning sensation in the throat when consuming hot beverages
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:
- spicy foods
- acidic fruits and vegetables
- carbonated drinks
- coffee or alcohol
- chocolate
- fatty foods
- garlic and onions
If you experience reflux regularly — whether every few days or daily — it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about treatment options.
You should also see your doctor if you have other symptoms like unexplained weight loss, difficulty or pain when swallowing, or vomiting blood. If treatment isn’t working, your doctor may recommend further tests.
Acid Reflux
Treatment Options
Certain foods can make acid reflux worse, so it’s helpful to track your triggers and avoid them when possible.
As being overweight can put more pressure on your stomach, losing weight can lessen the symptoms. If you smoke, quitting may also help improve reflux symptoms.
Here are some additional tips to manage acid reflux:
- If you’re overweight, consider losing weight, as excess weight can put pressure on your stomach, causing acid to reflux into your oesophagus
- Be mindful of your diet and portion sizes. Avoid foods that trigger heartburn and avoid overeating
- If you smoke, quitting can help, as nicotine can weaken the oesophageal sphincter
- If you vape, try to stop
- Reduce your intake of alcohol and caffeine
- Stay upright after meals to help prevent acid from rising
- Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed
- If symptoms are frequent or occur at night, elevate the head of your bed by about 10cm to keep your head slightly above your stomach. Using only pillows may be less effective, as it can increase pressure in the middle of your abdomen
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough or avoiding triggers isn’t possible, over-the-counter medications like Zantac may provide relief from acid reflux when taken as directed.
Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications to make sure they are right for you.
How Zantac helps with Acid Reflux
Zantac tablets work by targeting the acid at its source. One easy to swallow Zantac tablet is fast-acting and long-lasting, relieving acid reflux symptoms from 30 minutes, for up to 24 hours. So you can enjoy spending time with your loved ones longer – without the uncomfortable feeling of acid reflux.
