What are severe acid reflux symptoms - condition affects 20 percent of UK adults

What are severe acid reflux symptoms - condition affects 20 percent of UK adults Severe acid reflux affects 20 per cent of UK adults - but what are the symptoms of the condition, what causes it, and how can you treat it? Severe acid reflux is a condition that affects far more people than you might think. According to Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, 20 per cent of UK adults suffer from severe acid reflux - commonly experienced as heartburn, a burning sensation in the centre of the chest. For some sufferers, this triggers severe pain, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, coughing, asthma, insomnia, voice loss, teeth and gum damage, nutritional problems and depression. Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux). If it persists, it may be diagnosed as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Many people experience heartburn occasionally, often with no obvious cause. The NHS website states it is sometimes triggered or worsened by certain food and drink – such as coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate and fatty or spicy foods - as well as by being overweight or smoking. It can also be brought on by pregnancy, stress and anxiety, or a rise in certain hormones, such as progesterone and oestrogen. Additional causes can include certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers (like ibuprofen), a hiatus hernia – where part of your stomach moves up into your chest - a stomach ulcer, or a bacterial infection in your stomach. How can acid reflux be treated and what are the tell-tale signs? If you are diagnosed with acid reflux, a GP may prescribe medication known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces. Well-known PPIs include omeprazole and lansoprazole. You'll typically need to take this type of medication for four or eight weeks, depending on the severity of your acid reflux. Return to your GP if your symptoms come back after stopping your medication. You may require a long-term prescription. Dr Amir Khan, a prominent TV GP frequently seen on GMB and Lorraine, cautioned users of such medication this week. He said: "Brilliant medication for acid reflux and protecting the stomach, but if you're taking them for months or years, they can reduce absorption of nutrients like vitamin B12 and magnesium. So they should be reviewed from time to time. Make sure you still need them and that you're on the lowest possible dose to manage your symptoms." Lansoprazole and omeprazole are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. They treat acid reflux, GERD, stomach and duodenal ulcers, erosive oesophagitis, and hypersecretory conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. They are also combined with antibiotics to eliminate H. pylori bacterial infections and prevent ulcers caused by NSAID painkillers. The NHS states the symptoms of acid reflux are: heartburn or an unpleasant sour taste in your mouth, caused by stomach acid. It notes you may also experience bad breath, bloating and feeling sick, a cough or hiccups that keep returning, or a hoarse voice. Symptoms are often worse after eating, when lying down and when bending over. Three ways to tackle acid reflux - NHS advice The NHS recommends three main ways to treat it. There are three lifestyle adjustments that can help ease symptoms: eating smaller, more frequent meals; attempting to lose weight if you are overweight; and finding ways to de-stress. The NHS also highlights six things to steer clear of. Firstly, avoid food or drink that triggers your symptoms. Secondly, do not eat within 3 or 4 hours before bed. Thirdly, avoid wearing clothing that is tight around your waist. Fourthly, do not smoke. Fifthly, avoid drinking too much alcohol. Finally, never stop taking any prescribed medication without consulting a doctor first. If heartburn persists, seek advice from a pharmacist, who may suggest antacids or alginates to help relieve your symptoms. These are best taken with food or shortly after eating, as this is when heartburn is most likely to strike, and may also prove more effective when taken alongside a meal. While antacids and alginates offer short-term relief, they are not a long-term solution and should not be taken regularly over extended periods. If you are pregnant, a pharmacist can advise on suitable medicines. However, you should visit your GP if lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies are failing to tackle your heartburn; if you suffer from heartburn most days; or if you experience additional symptoms such as food becoming lodged in your throat, frequent vomiting, or unexplained weight loss. The NHS website says: "A GP can provide alternative or stronger treatments and help rule out any more serious causes of your symptoms. If at any time you feel your symptoms are getting worse, contact a GP, go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111." What if this still does not work? If medicines fail to provide relief or your symptoms are particularly severe, a GP may refer you to a specialist for: - tests to establish the underlying cause of your symptoms, such as a gastroscopy (where a thin tube with a camera inside it is passed down your throat and into your stomach). - tests to identify bacteria that can cause heartburn – this can be treated with a combination of antibiotics and PPIs. - surgery on your stomach or food pipe (oesophagus) to stop acid reflux.