Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is the name given to the burning sensation you get in your throat and chest. It’s caused by stomach acid refluxing upwards.

Causes & Symptoms

Acid reflux most commonly occurs just before bedtime, when you’re lying down, largely because it doesn't take as much force for stomach acid to travel up the chest and throat.

Stomach acid helps us break down food. But as we age, our bodies are less adapted to keeping the acid from travelling up the body. That’s why you’re more likely to experience it later in life, though it can be triggered in young people too.

The symptoms of acid reflux include:

  • A burning sensation in the chest or throat after eating.
  • A hot sour or salty tasting fluid in the back of your throat, accompanied by difficulty swallowing.
  • Feeling sick.
  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
  • Burping.

In the majority of cases, acid reflux is a natural response to the stomach acid irritating an unprotected oesophagus.

What causes acid reflux?

  • Fried and greasy foods
  • Eating too much
  • Eating too quickly
  • Fatty meats and dairy products
  • Alcohol, caffeinated drinks and spicy food, which can all cause the lower oesophageal sphincter to open.

Being overweight means there’s an increased pressure on your stomach, forcing open your oesophageal sphincter valve after eating.

But a large contributor? Stress, which can make symptoms worse. That’s because stress depletes our supply of prostaglandins, which protect our stomachs from acid. Try to get at least eight hours of restful sleep a night and cut out stressors from your life where possible.

FAQs

Some people develop LPR (laryngopharyngeal reflux). The most common symptoms of LPR are a sore throat and coughing accompanied by a “lump” that doesn’t go away. If you believe you’re experiencing LPR, always consult a doctor.

Stress and anxiety can affect the body’s production of prostaglandin, which is a chemical used in the healing and repairing process throughout the body. Prostaglandin is essential to combating the damage caused by acid reflux.

If you experience acid reflux it's important to first try and monitor what you are consuming daily. Being more conscious about what you eat is an effective measure:

The most common acid reflux foods to avoid are:

  • Fatty or spicy foods
  • Dairy
  • products
  • Creamy sauces

Treatment

We know how disruptive acid reflux can be, which is why our range is designed to prevent discomfort. Our products create a protective barrier that prevents acid - and other aggressors like pepsin and bile - from moving up the oesophagus.

The viscous formulation at the heart of our range (Gaviscon Original and Advance) is sodium alginate.

Together, Gaviscon products offer powerful relief, allowing you to take your life off pause.

Dosage: Take 10-20 ml (Gaviscon Original) or 5-10 ml (Gaviscon Advance) after meals and at bedtime. Consider one teaspoon to equal 5 ml. 

For children 6 to 12 years: should only be taken on medical advice (Gaviscon Original & Advance).

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      FAQs

      Acid reflux is a natural condition, but if you’re regularly feeling the effects, it’s natural to be worried.

      Suffering from heartburn regularly? Dealing with a burning feeling in your chest after eating? You might have what’s known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GORD.

      GORD presents symptoms indistinguishable from heartburn and indigestion, but occurs at a frequency that is chronic.

      In such a case, you should consult with a doctor immediately. GORD can cause you to develop ulcers and it can even restrict your breathing, so a professional’s advice is required.

      The good news is that GORD can be effectively treated over time, and tweaks to the food and drinks you consume can limit the discomfort.