Common symptoms
- A burning feeling behind the breastbone (heartburn)
- Acid or food coming back up into your throat or mouth
- A sour or bitter taste, especially when lying down
- Indigestion, fullness or discomfort in the upper tummy
- Feeling sick or bloated after eating
- A persistent cough, hoarse voice or throat clearing
- Burping
- Symptoms that wake you at night
Conditions diagnosed and managed
- Acid reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
- Persistent heartburn
- Indigestion and dyspepsia
- Gastritis and stomach ulcers (peptic ulcer disease)
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Hiatus hernia
- Barrett’s oesophagus — diagnosis and surveillance
Understanding acid reflux and GORD
Acid reflux happens when stomach contents flow back up into the oesophagus (food pipe). Occasional heartburn is very common. When reflux happens often enough to cause troublesome symptoms or inflammation, it is called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or GORD.
Many people search for “heartburn” or “indigestion” rather than GORD — and they can overlap. Working out which you have matters, because the right investigation and treatment differ.
Persistent heartburn and indigestion
Indigestion (dyspepsia) describes pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, often with fullness, bloating or nausea after eating. It can be caused by reflux, gastritis, a stomach ulcer, H. pylori infection or certain medicines such as anti-inflammatory painkillers. Sometimes no structural cause is found and the stomach is simply more sensitive — known as functional dyspepsia.
Hiatus hernia
A hiatus hernia is when part of the stomach slides up through the diaphragm into the chest. It is common, often causes no symptoms, but can make reflux worse. It is usually found on gastroscopy. Most hiatus hernias are managed with lifestyle measures and medication; where surgery may help, Dr Khalid can advise and refer you to an upper GI surgeon.
Gastritis and stomach ulcers
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. Ulcers are open sores in the stomach or first part of the small bowel (duodenum). Both are commonly linked to H. pylori infection or anti-inflammatory medicines, and both usually respond well to treatment once identified.
Barrett’s oesophagus
In some people with long-standing reflux, the lining of the lower oesophagus changes — this is called Barrett’s oesophagus. It is diagnosed by gastroscopy with biopsies. Most people with Barrett’s never develop problems, but regular surveillance gastroscopy is recommended so that any change can be found and treated early.
What causes acid reflux?
Common contributors include a weak valve at the bottom of the oesophagus, hiatus hernia, being overweight, pregnancy, smoking, alcohol, large or late meals, and certain foods and medicines.
How Dr Khalid investigates the problem
Dr Khalid will review your symptoms, medicines and lifestyle, and any treatment you have already tried. Depending on your age and symptoms, investigations may include:
- A gastroscopy — a camera test to look directly at the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum and take biopsies
- Testing for H. pylori infection
- Blood tests, including for anaemia
- Referral for specialist reflux tests (pH and manometry studies) where symptoms persist despite treatment or surgery is being considered
Treatment and management
Treatment is matched to the cause. It may include practical lifestyle and dietary changes, acid-suppressing medicines used at the right dose and for the right length of time, eradication of H. pylori, and a review of medicines that may be contributing. For Barrett’s oesophagus, you will be given a clear surveillance plan. If an operation might help, Dr Khalid can discuss this and arrange referral to an upper GI surgeon.
When should you see a gastroenterologist?
See a specialist if you have had heartburn or indigestion on most days for three weeks or more, if symptoms persist despite medication from your GP or pharmacy, if you rely on antacids long term, or if you are over 55 with new symptoms.
Book a private consultation at Spire Cheshire in Warrington or The Highfield Hospital in Rochdale.
When to seek urgent help
Don’t wait for a routine appointment. Call 999 or go to A&E if you have:
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Black, tarry stools or heavy rectal bleeding
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
- Food stuck and being unable to swallow
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes with fever or pain
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a gastroscopy for heartburn?
Not everyone does. A gastroscopy is usually recommended if you have warning signs such as difficulty swallowing, weight loss, vomiting or anaemia, if you are over 55 with new symptoms, or if symptoms persist despite treatment.
Is it safe to take acid-suppressing tablets long term?
They are generally safe and very effective, but they should be used at the lowest dose that controls symptoms and reviewed regularly. A specialist can confirm whether you need them and for how long.
What is the difference between heartburn and indigestion?
Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the breastbone caused by acid reflux. Indigestion describes discomfort, fullness or pain in the upper abdomen. They often occur together, but can have different causes.
Medically reviewed by Dr Sal Khalid, Consultant Gastroenterologist. Last reviewed November 2026. This page is general information and does not replace a personal medical consultation.