GERD and Acid Reflux

If you’re dealing with ongoing heartburn or other signs of acid reflux, you may be questioning whether GERD is the cause. In this page, we’ll break down what GERD is, its common symptoms and causes, available treatment options, and why accurate testing is essential for managing your digestive health effectively.
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What is acid reflux (GERD)?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive condition that occurs when stomach acid regularly flows back into the oesophagus — the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. This backwash, known as acid reflux, can irritate and damage the lining of the oesophagus. If left untreated, GERD may lead to complications such as oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus) or, in rare cases, more serious conditions like oesophageal cancer.

While mild or occasional reflux happens to many people, ongoing or severe symptoms should not be ignored. Identifying and managing GERD early can help reduce discomfort, protect your oesophagus, and prevent long-term health issues.
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What symptoms are most often linked to GERD?

GERD can cause a variety of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other health issues. While ongoing heartburn is the most well-known sign, there are several other symptoms that may indicate reflux:
Ongoing heartburn, often worse after meals
Regurgitation of acidic fluid or partially digested food
Feeling as though something is stuck in the throat
Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
Chest pain or a burning sensation in the chest
Long-term cough, throat irritation, or hoarseness in the voice
If you notice these symptoms happening often, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare professional. They can provide a clear diagnosis and recommend the right treatment to help manage your condition.

What are the Causes of Acid Reflux (GERD)?

GERD develops when the lower oesophageal sphincter — the muscular valve that normally keeps stomach contents from moving back up — doesn’t close as it should. When this valve is weak or relaxes inappropriately, acid and digestive juices can flow into the oesophagus, leading to irritation and discomfort.

A number of factors can increase the risk of this happening, making some people more prone to GERD than others:

Excess weight or obesity
Smoking
Pregnancy
Hiatal hernia
Certain medications (such as calcium channel blockers or antihistamines)
If you have any of these risk factors, adopting healthy lifestyle changes or speaking with your doctor can help lower your risk of developing GERD and prevent current symptoms from getting worse.
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Reflux Diagnosis

Heartburn is one of the most common symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. It can also cause regurgitation, chest pain, a sour taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. GORD affects up to 20% of people and is often linked to hiatus hernia. While diet changes, lifestyle adjustments, and antacids may ease symptoms, persistent reflux can lead to complications such as Barrett’s oesophagus or, in rare cases, oesophageal cancer.

24-Hour pH Impedance Testing

This test evaluates both acid and non-acid reflux over a full 24-hour period:
A thin, flexible catheter is inserted through the nose into the stomach.
The catheter detects changes in acidity along its entire length.
Data is transmitted to a small computer worn on a belt.
You can eat, drink, sleep, and continue daily activities while the test is running.
Provides continuous monitoring to give your doctor a complete picture of reflux patterns.
If you have any of these risk factors, adopting healthy lifestyle changes or speaking with your doctor can help lower your risk of developing GERD and prevent current symptoms from getting worse.

Bravo pH Test

The Bravo pH test is a less invasive alternative that uses a small capsule to monitor acid levels:
Typically worn for 48–96 hours, depending on your doctor’s instructions.
A tiny capsule is attached to the lining of the esophagus during an endoscopy.
The capsule wirelessly transmits pH readings to a recorder worn on a belt.
Capsule naturally detaches and passes through the digestive system.
Allows for long-term monitoring without a nasal catheter, often more comfortable for patients.
Both tests provide valuable information to help your doctor diagnose reflux, assess severity, and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Acid Reflux vs Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

ChatGPT said:Many people mix up GERD with simple acid reflux, but they are not the same. Acid reflux is occasional backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus, usually triggered by certain foods, drinks, or habits. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), however, is a chronic condition where acid reflux happens frequently—often several times a week—interfering with daily life and potentially causing damage to the oesophagus.

Understanding the difference is important: occasional acid reflux can often be managed with simple lifestyle changes, while GERD typically requires a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments. In the UK, GERD is often referred to as GORD.
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What are the Triggers of Acid Reflux and GERD?

GERD symptoms are often worsened by certain foods, drinks, or habits. Identifying your personal triggers can be key to managing the condition effectively. Although triggers can differ from person to person, there are several common ones that many people with GERD should be aware of.

Typical Food and Drink Triggers

Rich or greasy foods, which can slow digestion and increase reflux
Spicy dishes that may irritate the esophagus
Chocolate, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter
Citrus fruits, which are highly acidic
Tomatoes and tomato-based products
Beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, which can trigger reflux episodes

What are the Lifestyle Triggers?

Everyday habits can play a big role in triggering or worsening GERD. Making small adjustments to these behaviours can often help lessen how often symptoms occur and how severe they feel:

Typical Lifestyle Triggers

Eating heavy or oversized meals
Lying flat or going to bed soon after eating
Wearing tight or restrictive clothing around the stomach
Eating late at night
High stress levels or poor sleep habits
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What are your Treatment Options for Acid Reflux and GERD?

Managing GERD often requires a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions. Treatment plans vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual triggers.

Lifestyle Changes

Small adjustments to daily habits can make a big difference in reducing reflux. Helpful strategies include:

  • Maintain a healthy weight – Extra abdominal pressure increases the risk of reflux.
  • Avoid lying down after meals – Wait 2–3 hours before lying flat or going to bed.
  • Raise the head of your bed – Elevating 6–8 inches can ease nighttime symptoms.
  • Quit smoking – Smoking weakens the oesophageal sphincter, worsening reflux.
  • Eat smaller meals – Lighter portions are easier to digest and reduce acid flow.
  • Limit trigger foods/drinks – Spicy, fatty, acidic foods, caffeine, and alcohol are common culprits.

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Medications

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medications can help control acid and protect the oesophagus:

  • Antacids – Quick relief by neutralising stomach acid, best for occasional use.
  • H2 blockers – Reduce acid production for longer-lasting relief, up to 12 hours.
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – Stronger acid suppression, ideal for frequent or severe GERD.
  • Other options – Some patients may benefit from alginate-based treatments or prokinetic drugs.

Gut Diagnostics does not prescribe medication but can refer you to a specialist.

Surgery Considerations

For persistent or severe GERD, surgery may provide lasting relief by strengthening the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES):

  • Fundoplication – The upper stomach is wrapped around the oesophagus to stop reflux, often done laparoscopically.
  • LINX device – A magnetic ring placed around the LES keeps it closed while allowing swallowing.

Gut Diagnostics does not perform surgery but can refer you to a specialist.

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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the product and billing.
What’s the difference between acid reflux and GERD?
Acid reflux is the occasional backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus, often after certain foods or drinks. GERD (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease) is when this reflux happens frequently or severely, leading to persistent symptoms and potential damage to the oesophagus.
What are the most common symptoms of GERD?
The hallmark symptom is persistent heartburn, but others include regurgitation, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, hoarseness, and a sensation of a lump in the throat.
What causes GERD?
GERD happens when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that keeps stomach contents from rising, weakens or relaxes inappropriately. Risk factors include obesity, smoking, pregnancy, hiatal hernia, and certain medications.
Can certain foods trigger acid reflux?
Yes. Common triggers include spicy foods, fatty or fried meals, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol. Keeping a food diary can help identify your personal triggers.
How is GERD diagnosed?
Diagnosis often starts with a review of symptoms and may include tests such as 24-hour pH impedance monitoring, Bravo pH testing, or endoscopy (EGD) to assess acid levels and check for damage in the oesophagus.
What lifestyle changes can help with GERD?
Effective strategies include maintaining a healthy weight, eating smaller meals, avoiding lying down right after eating, elevating the head of the bed, quitting smoking, and limiting trigger foods and drinks.
What treatments are available for GERD?
Treatment depends on severity and may include:
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-Antacids for quick relief.
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-H2 blockers or Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) for longer-term acid control.
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-In severe cases, surgery such as fundoplication or the LINX device may be considered.
Can untreated GERD cause complications?
Yes. Long-term untreated GERD can lead to oesophagitis (inflammation), Barrett’s oesophagus (pre-cancerous changes), or in rare cases, oesophageal cancer. This is why persistent symptoms should always be assessed by a doctor.

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