Acid Reflux & Indigestion

Digestive Health

At SwiftMedi, we know how uncomfortable acid reflux and indigestion can be - from burning chest pain and bloating to that constant “lump in the throat” feeling. The right treatment can make a real difference, bringing fast relief and helping you enjoy food and daily life without discomfort.

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About Acid reflux & Indigestion

Overview


Acid reflux and heartburn are among the most common digestive problems in the UK — and if you’ve ever felt that burning, uncomfortable sensation in your chest or throat after eating, you’re not alone. For many people, it’s an occasional irritation after a heavy meal, but for others, frequent reflux can disturb sleep, affect confidence around food, and make everyday life feel harder than it should.

Heartburn happens when stomach acid flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). While almost everyone experiences it at some point, ongoing or severe symptoms may signal a condition called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which can have a bigger impact on wellbeing if left untreated.

The reassuring news is that help is available — and it really can make a difference. With the right approach, most people find their symptoms ease dramatically. From simple lifestyle changes to proven medicines such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), effective relief is within reach. At SwiftMedi, every request for treatment is carefully reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber through a secure online consultation, ensuring that you get safe, professional, and discreet care tailored to your needs.

 


Symptoms


The most common symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn include:

  • Burning sensation in the chest or throat, especially after eating or when lying down
  • Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
  • Regurgitation of food or liquid
  • Bloating or belching
  • Hoarseness, sore throat, or cough (often worse at night)


Less common but more serious symptoms may include:

  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Chest pain unrelated to exercise
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Frequent vomiting or black stools (seek medical help urgently)



Diagnosis


Most cases of acid reflux and heartburn can be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. A GP may investigate further if:

  • Symptoms are persistent or severe
  • Lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments haven’t helped
  • There are “red flag” symptoms (difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, black stools)
  • Tests may include endoscopy, pH monitoring, or imaging if GORD or complications are suspected.


Treatments


Effective relief often comes from a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.

Lifestyle Approaches
  • Eating smaller meals and avoiding late-night eating
  • Cutting back on spicy, fatty, or acidic foods
  • Losing weight if overweight
  • Raising the head of the bed at night
  • Avoiding smoking and reducing alcohol

Medical Treatments
  • Antacids (fast but short-term relief)
  • Alginates (form a barrier to reduce acid irritation)
  • H2 blockers (reduce acid production, e.g., ranitidine alternatives)
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) (effective longer-term relief, e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole)


At SwiftMedi, our prescribers can safely recommend and supply clinically proven treatments such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, and other PPIs after a secure online consultation.


Prevention


Many people can reduce the frequency of reflux by making small changes:

  • Avoid eating just before bedtime
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Identify and reduce personal “trigger” foods
  • Reduce stress where possible
  • Avoid tight clothing around the stomach



Misconceptions


“Heartburn is the same as a heart problem.”
Not true — while both cause chest pain, heartburn is digestive, not cardiac. However, if chest pain is severe or linked to exertion, seek urgent medical help.

“Only unhealthy diets cause reflux.”
Even people with balanced diets can experience acid reflux due to factors like stress, body weight, or pregnancy.

“You just have to live with it.”
Effective treatments are available — from lifestyle adjustments to safe, proven medicines. You don’t have to suffer in silence.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is acid reflux and what causes heartburn?

    Acid reflux happens when stomach acid travels back up into the oesophagus, causing a burning feeling known as heartburn. It’s often linked to overeating, lying down too soon, spicy or fatty foods, stress or certain medicines. Occasional symptoms are common, but frequent reflux may need treatment to protect the oesophagus.

  • Which treatments work fastest for acid reflux?

    Antacids like Gaviscon provide the quickest relief by neutralising acid within minutes. H2 blockers work within about an hour, while PPIs such as omeprazole take longer but give stronger and longer-lasting control. The best option depends on how often symptoms occur and how quickly you need relief.

  • What’s the difference between antacids, H2 blockers and PPIs?

    Antacids give rapid, short-term relief by neutralising acid. H2 blockers, such as famotidine, reduce acid production for several hours. PPIs like omeprazole switch off acid production more powerfully and are best for frequent or persistent symptoms. Many people use a combination depending on how often heartburn occurs.

  • When should I choose a PPI like omeprazole instead of Gaviscon?

    PPIs are most helpful when heartburn happens several times a week or affects daily life. They reduce acid production at the source, offering longer-lasting relief than antacids. Gaviscon is better for occasional, mild symptoms or quick comfort after meals. Many people use both depending on the situation.

  • How long does it take for acid reflux medicines to start working?

    Antacids start working within minutes. H2 blockers usually take 30–60 minutes. PPIs can take one to four days to reach full effect, although many people improve sooner. If symptoms do not settle within a few days of correct use, a clinician may adjust the dose or recommend alternatives.

  • Are acid reflux treatments safe to use long term?

    Antacids and H2 blockers are generally safe for short-term use. PPIs are safe for most people long term but should be reviewed regularly because ongoing use may cause low magnesium, gut infections or rebound symptoms when stopped suddenly. A clinician can advise the safest plan for long-term management.

  • When should I speak to a doctor about heartburn?

    Speak to a doctor if heartburn occurs several times a week, doesn’t improve with treatment, or is accompanied by weight loss, trouble swallowing, persistent vomiting or chest discomfort. These symptoms may need further assessment. Long-term or severe reflux can irritate the oesophagus and should be reviewed.

  • Why does acid reflux get worse at night?

    Reflux often worsens at night because lying down makes it easier for acid to travel up the oesophagus. Eating late, spicy or fatty meals, caffeine or alcohol can also trigger overnight symptoms. Raising the head of your bed, avoiding meals close to bedtime and using PPIs or antacids can improve night-time control.

  • Can I take Gaviscon with omeprazole or other PPIs?

    Yes. Many people use both because they work differently. Omeprazole reduces acid production, while Gaviscon forms a soothing barrier. Taking them together can help manage breakthrough symptoms. Leave a gap of at least two hours between doses to avoid affecting absorption.

  • What foods or habits make heartburn worse?

    Common triggers include spicy foods, citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, fried foods and alcohol. Large meals, eating quickly, lying down too soon and stress can also make reflux more likely. Keeping a symptom diary can help identify your own triggers and tailor lifestyle changes.

  • Why do symptoms return when I stop PPIs?

    Stopping PPIs abruptly can cause rebound acid production, leading to temporary worsening of symptoms even if the original problem has improved. Gradually reducing the dose, switching to an H2 blocker or using antacids during the transition can help control flare-ups. A clinician can guide the safest approach.

  • Can stress or anxiety make heartburn worse?

    Yes. Stress can increase stomach acid levels and tighten the muscles around the oesophagus, making reflux more likely. It can also worsen eating habits, such as comfort eating or drinking more caffeine. Relaxation strategies, regular meals and sleep support can help reduce flare-ups.

  • Does acid reflux cause cough, sore throat or chest discomfort?

    Acid reflux can irritate the throat and airways, leading to cough, hoarseness or a sore throat. Some people feel chest tightness from acid irritation. These symptoms often improve with PPIs or lifestyle changes. Seek urgent care if chest pain is severe or unusual.

  • Can alcohol, coffee or spicy food trigger acid reflux?

    Yes. Alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods can relax the muscle that keeps acid in the stomach, making reflux more likely. They also irritate the stomach lining. Reducing these triggers, eating smaller meals and taking treatment such as PPIs or antacids can help improve symptoms.

  • How can I manage heartburn during pregnancy?

    Heartburn is common in pregnancy because hormones relax the valve above the stomach and the growing uterus adds pressure. Eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods and using pregnancy-safe antacids often helps. Always check suitability of medicines before use.