Understanding GERD - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

What is GERD?

Heartburn occurs when stomach contents travel up towards the throat (acid reflux) and cause a burning sensation in the chest.
If this continues to happen, it’s referred to as Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD), also known as GERD.

Simple lifestyle changes can improve GERD symptoms for many people, including avoiding alcohol, cigarettes and spicy food, eating smaller meals, and losing weight if overweight.

However, when these changes don’t seem to make a difference, certain medications might be beneficial in managing your GERD symptoms.

Symptoms of GERD

Common symptoms of GERD include heartburn and acid reflux, and some people tend to experience these symptoms more at night, or when lying down.

Making certain lifestyle modifications can help to alleviate some GERD symptoms, but if you are still experiencing symptoms despite these changes, Gaviscon Double Action can help.

The following are some of the signs of GERD

A burning sensation in your chest
A sour taste in your mouth
Bad breath
Feeling sick or bloated

What causes GERD?

GERD is caused by stomach contents flowing back up into the food pipe, causing irritation to your oesophagus or gullet. While it might not always be clear what causes GERD, we do know what can trigger GERD symptoms

Late night eating
Larger than usual meals
Spicy, fried or fatty foods
Caffeine, alcohol and smoking
Pregnancy
Stress
Certain medicines, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers

These can be triggers of GERD and can increase your risk of GERD symptoms. It’s hard to avoid all triggers all of the time, but with some lifestyle modifications, many people see an improvement in their symptoms. Over-the-counter medicines such as Gaviscon can also help to manage symptoms.

Do I have GERD?

Most people have experienced a burning chest or a sour taste in the back of their mouth at some point. However, if your symptoms are more frequent you should always consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Treatment

GERD can be uncomfortable and can interrupt your day. Gaviscon Double Action can help to relieve GERD symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux by forming a protective barrier over stomach contents and neutralising excess stomach acid.

Products we recommend

Double Action Liquid

Gaviscon Double Action Liquid

Dual-action formula

Targets heartburn and indigestion instantly

Gets to work in seconds

Lasts up to 4 hours

View Gaviscon Double Action Liquid

Gaviscon Double Action Tablets

Gaviscon Double Action Tablets

Dual-action formula

Targets heartburn and indigestion instantly

Gets to work in seconds

Lasts up to 4 hours

View Gaviscon Double Action Tablets

Gaviscon Double Action Liquid Sachets

Gaviscon Double Action Tablets

Dual-action formula

Targets heartburn and indigestion instantly

Gets to work in seconds

Lasts up to 4 hours

View Gaviscon Double Action Sachets

Frequent Sufferers

If your GERD symptoms are more frequent, you may be advised to consider an acid-suppressing medication. Your GP or pharmacist can help you to find the right treatment, and offer any advice on lifestyle changes that might improve your symptoms.

Products we recommend for frequent sufferers of GERD

Guardium Tablets

Protective treatment for frequent sufferers

Treats heartburn and acid reflux

Lasts up to 24 hours

2-3 days of treatment might be required for symptom relief

View Guardium Tablets

Frequently Asked Questions

Is coughing a sign of GERD?

Yes. You might experience GERD-related recurrent
coughing or hiccups.

Is GERD worse at night?

GERD symptoms can be experienced day and night, but can
feel worse just after a meal, or when lying down.