Acid reflux

Look at what you eat, and do
Watch for a change
Medicines do help

That burning discomfort after meals or waking you at night may well be acid coming back up your gullet or oesophagus. If antacids from the chemist (rennies, gaviscon etc) help then acid reflux is the likely diagnosis

Look at what you eat, and do

Weight reduction does help as it reduces the pressure on the stomach. If your weight has gone up at the same time as the acid reflux started then this may be a cause. Excess alcohol can trigger reflux as can spicy foods so limit or avoid these.

Watch for a change

If the acid reflux is new. has lasted more than four weeks and you are over 50 years of age then see your general practitioner to check your symptomsand examine you. Especially if you are getting discomfort in your upper abdomen area just below your ribs in the midline. Occassionally they may suggest assessment of your stomach usually called a gastroscopy

Medicines do help

In addition to antacids the commonest type of drug used is a proton pump inhibitor. These work very well for most people. Examples are lansoprazole and omeprazole. H2 inhibitors ranitdine and cimetidine are alternatives.

If your stomach has been assessed, the cause is confirmed as acid reflux and the above medicines have not helped then additional medicines are sucralfate (lines the stomach) and metoclopramide (speeds up stomach emptying