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Acid Reflux: Causes, & Symptoms

What is
ACID REFLUX?

If you suffer from constant acid reflux, spicy foods that cause acid reflux are best to be avoided.

Acid reflux is the reverse passage of gastric contents into the oesophagus (‘food pipe’) which can cause heartburn. The terms are often used interchangeably, but acid reflux is the actual action of part of the stomach contents traveling back up the oesophagus (sometimes into the throat and even into the mouth), while heartburn is the uncomfortable feeling as a result of that action.

If you have frequent acid reflux, you may have acid reflux disease. Acid reflux disease and Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD or GERD) are the same thing. It might sound scary, but in most cases GORD is not a serious condition and is experienced by one in ten people every day. However persistent episodes can damage the lining of the oesophagus, so have a chat with your GP or pharmacist if you’re at all concerned.

What are the
SYMPTOMS OF ACID REFLUX?

“I get a burning feeling in my chest and the back of my throat sometimes after eating late at night.”

Icon of a person suffering from heatburn symptoms: burning sensation in chest and throat

Acid reflux can be pain free, but it can cause:

  • A burning sensation or heat in your chest or throat usually after eating
  • A hot sour or salty tasting fluid in the back of your throat and difficulty swallowing
  • Pressure behind the breastbone
  • Feeling bloated
  • Needing to burp
  • Feeling/being sick (nausea)
  • Cramps
  • Bad breath
  • Hiccups

What causes
ACID REFLUX?

Learn what foods cause acid reflux and try to avoid them.

At the entrance to your stomach is a ring of muscle or a valve called the sphincter muscle. It is supposed to open to allow food to pass through, and close afterwards. If it doesn’t close properly or opens too often, then acid from the stomach could escape.

Acid reflux normally happens when we eat certain foods. Fried or greasy foods, high fat meats and whole milk dairy products can cause the valve to relax. Caffeinated drinks, coffee, alcohol and spicy foods can all stimulate excess acid production. Eating large meals, lying down straight after eating or snacking close to bedtime are common triggers of reflux.

Being overweight means you can be more likely to suffer from reflux because of increased pressure on your stomach, which can force open the valve after a meal. (2,3)

Some people find acid reflux is worse when they are stressed.

Acid reflux also happens due to a weakness of the sphincter muscle, or when the stomach produces too much acid and not enough protective mucous. There is also something called a hiatus hernia; due to a gap in the diaphragm, parts of the stomach can move into the chest which increases the risk of reflux. (4)

Taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen, some muscle relaxers, or blood pressure medications can also stimulate acid reflux.

Suffering from Acid Reflux? Read some treatment tips to help relieve the symptoms of Acid Reflux.

Treating Acid reflux

RENNIE TIPS & ADVICE

Take a look at our tips and advice on how to have a happier digestive life.

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Is there a difference between acid reflux and indigestion?

Quite often, the terms acid reflux and indigestion are used interchangeably without fully understanding the differences between the two. 

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Can exercise help you combat acid reflux and heartburn?

Many people who suffer from heartburn and acid reflux will, at some point or another, been told that exercise and weight loss is a great way to combat the symptoms.

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Spicy foods that trigger heartburn are better to be avoided.

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Heartburn is an extremely uncomfortable experience that affects thousands of people across Britain on a daily basis.

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How to relieve heartburn over occasions like Eid

The festive period is a time to let ourselves go and allow our gluttonous side free with a plate constantly piled high with rich, indulgent foods.

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Stress and Heartburn: the best tips to combat stress today

Stress can be a major contributor to heartburn or indigestion – which is all the more reason to adopt healthy ways of dealing with stress.

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OUR PRODUCTS

How to help indigestion? What to take for acid reflux? Try Rennie Peppermint

Rennie Peppermint

Containing antacid to neutralise excess stomach acid, Rennie Peppermint tablets work fast to relieve the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.

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Always read the label. If symptoms are severe or prolonged, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist. If you are pregnant, medicines can affect the unborn baby. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine during pregnancy.


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