The backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus may cause burning, a sour taste, cough, and discomfort when swallowing.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent vomiting
- Chest pain — a cardiac cause must be ruled out
What is it?
Long-standing reflux can cause inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus and, in some patients, complications such as Barrett's esophagus.
Symptoms
- Burning behind the breastbone
- Sour liquid rising into the mouth
- Nighttime cough
- Throat irritation
- Hoarseness
- Discomfort when swallowing
Causes & risk factors
- Excess weight
- Eating late
- Fatty and spicy foods
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Hiatal hernia
- Certain medications
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is not based on a single test alone. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination findings, and investigation results are assessed together.
- Clinical assessment
- Endoscopy if red-flag features are present
- pH monitoring in selected cases
- Assessment for H. pylori and other causes
- Exclusion of a cardiac cause in patients at risk
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient's overall condition, coexisting diseases, and procedural risk.
- Dietary and lifestyle changes
- Acid-suppressing medications
- Weight management
- Avoiding late meals
- Endoscopic follow-up if complications occur
How we help
At the center, reflux symptoms are assessed for red-flag features. Endoscopy may be planned for long-standing cases or those that do not respond to medication.
When a procedure may be needed
Endoscopy may be required in the presence of difficulty swallowing, bleeding, weight loss, failure to respond to medication, or long-standing symptoms.
Patient checklist
- Stop eating 3 hours before going to bed at night
- Record foods that worsen the burning sensation
- Do not delay seeking care for bleeding or difficulty swallowing
- Take your medication for the prescribed duration
FAQ
Can reflux resemble heart pain?
Yes. If chest pain occurs, particularly in a patient with risk factors, a cardiac cause must be ruled out.
Do I need to take medication for life?
Not everyone does. The duration is determined by symptoms and endoscopic findings.
Last updated: