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Acid reflux and indigestion

Acid reflux and indigestion are common digestive complaints that can disrupt your daily life and make eating uncomfortable. This blog explores what these conditions are, their causes, how to spot the symptoms, and the best ways to manage and prevent them. Whether you experience occasional discomfort or persistent issues, understanding acid reflux and indigestion can empower you to take control of your gut health with confidence and ease.

• Acid reflux happens when stomach acid escapes into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation known as heartburn.
• Indigestion covers a range of symptoms, including bloating, nausea, and stomach discomfort, often linked to eating habits.
• Lifestyle factors such as diet, weight, smoking, and stress play a significant role in triggering symptoms.
• Over-the-counter remedies and prescription medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can effectively manage symptoms.
• Simple lifestyle changes, including meal timing and avoiding known triggers, can greatly reduce discomfort and improve quality of life.

What is acid reflux and indigestion?

Acid reflux, often called heartburn, occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus—the tube connecting your throat to your stomach. This backflow irritates the lining of the oesophagus, causing a burning feeling behind the breastbone or in the throat. Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a broader term that describes discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by bloating, nausea, or feeling uncomfortably full after eating [1][2].

While acid reflux specifically involves acid irritating the oesophagus, indigestion can result from various digestive issues, such as slowed stomach emptying or sensitivity to certain foods. The two often overlap, and many people experience symptoms of both simultaneously [1].

What causes acid reflux and indigestion?

The leading cause of acid reflux is a weakening or malfunction of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle acting as a valve between the stomach and oesophagus. When the LES doesn’t close properly, stomach acid can escape upwards, irritating the oesophagus and causing heartburn [1][2].

Several factors contribute to acid reflux and indigestion, including:

• Being overweight or obese: Extra weight puts pressure on your stomach, which can weaken the LES and push acid upwards [1].
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes relax the LES, and the growing baby adds pressure on the abdomen [1].
• Diet: Fatty foods, spicy meals, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, and acidic foods can trigger symptoms by relaxing the LES or increasing acid production [1][2].
• Smoking: Tobacco weakens the LES and damages the oesophageal lining [1].
• Hiatus hernia: Part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, affecting LES function [2].
• Certain medications: Calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and some painkillers can relax the LES or irritate the oesophagus [1].
• Stress: Can increase stomach acid production and sensitivity to pain [2].
• Eating habits: Large meals or lying down soon after eating can worsen symptoms [1].

Recognising the symptoms

Acid reflux symptoms

• Burning pain behind the breastbone (heartburn), often after eating, bending over, or lying down
• Sour or bitter taste in the mouth due to acid regurgitation
• Difficulty swallowing or sensation of a lump in the throat
• Persistent cough, hoarseness, or sore throat
• Bad breath or tooth enamel erosion from acid exposure [1][2]

Indigestion symptoms

• Upper abdominal discomfort or pain
• Bloating and feeling uncomfortably full
• Nausea or vomiting
• Burping or an acid taste in the mouth
• Loss of appetite or early fullness [1]

If symptoms occur occasionally and are mild, self-care and over-the-counter remedies may be enough. However, frequent, severe, or worsening symptoms should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional [1].

How is acid reflux and indigestion diagnosed?

Most cases are diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history during a consultation. Your doctor will ask about the frequency, severity, and triggers of your symptoms [2].

If symptoms persist or are severe, further tests may be needed, such as:

• Endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera examines the oesophagus and stomach lining for damage [2].
• 24-hour pH monitoring: Measures acid levels in the oesophagus over a day [2].
• Manometry: Assesses the strength and coordination of oesophageal muscles [2].
• Barium swallow X-ray: Visualises the swallowing process and oesophageal structure [2].

Treatment options for acid reflux and indigestion

Lifestyle changes

• Lose excess weight to reduce abdominal pressure [1].
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid eating close to bedtime [1].
• Identify and avoid trigger foods and drinks such as caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or spicy foods [1][2].
• Stop smoking to improve LES function and oesophageal health [1].
• Raise the head of your bed by 20cm to reduce nighttime reflux [1].
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques [2].

Over-the-counter remedies

• Antacids: Neutralise stomach acid and provide quick relief but work for a short time (e.g., Rennies, Gaviscon) [1].
• Alginates: Form a protective barrier to prevent acid reflux (e.g., Gaviscon Advance) [1].
• H2 receptor antagonists: Reduce acid production (e.g., ranitidine) [2].

Prescription medications

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Reduce acid production more effectively and for longer periods (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole) [1][2].
• Prokinetics: Help speed up stomach emptying in some cases [2].

Surgery

In severe or persistent cases not responding to medication, surgical options like fundoplication may be considered to strengthen the LES [2].

Preventing acid reflux and indigestion

• Maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle [1].
• Avoid large meals and eat slowly [1].
• Avoid trigger foods and drinks [1].
• Don’t lie down immediately after eating [1].
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake [1].
• Manage stress effectively [2].

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.

References

• [1] NHS (2023) Heartburn and acid reflux. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/ (Accessed: 1 October 2025).
• [2] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2025. Dyspepsia – proven GORD. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/dyspepsia-proven-gord/ (Accessed 1 October 2025).
• [3] Medical Mojo (2025) Understanding acid reflux. Available at: https://medicalmojo.co.uk/acid-reflux (Accessed 1 October 2025).
• [4] Courier Pharmacy (2025) Managing indigestion and reflux. Available at: https://courierpharmacy.co.uk/blog/indigestion-reflux (Accessed 1 October 2025).