AcidReflux

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.
Acid Reflux

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.

Heartburn illustration

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 with difficulty swallowing
  • Feeling sick
  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing
  • Wheezing
  • 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

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 Aniseed & Peppermint, Advance and Double Action) is sodium alginate, while our products also contain antacids, which turn excess acid into water.

Treatment

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

Dosage: Take 10-20ml (two to four 5ml) spoonfuls after meals and at bedtime.

All information presented is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If symptoms are severe or prolonged you should consult a doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label.

Repeat Sufferers

Repeatedly suffering from acid reflux? Don’t let it put your life on pause.
Repeat sufferers

Recommended Products

GAVISCON Double Action

GAVISCON Double Action
 Dual-acting formula

Dual-acting formula

 Reflux and Stomach discomfort

Reflux and Stomach discomfort

View Product

View Product

Gaviscon Double Action_278w.webp

GAVISCON Advance

GAVISCON Advance
Pregnant mothers

Pregnant mothers

Reflux and Stomach discomfort

Reflux and Stomach discomfort

Rapid relief

Rapid relief

View Product

View Product

Gaviscon Advance_867w.webp

FAQs

Changing lives for 40 years

Related Articles