Acid reflux

The main symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) are heartburn and acid reflux.

Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest.

It's usually felt just below your breastbone, but can spread up to the throat in some people.

The discomfort is usually worse after eating, or when bending over or lying down.

Acid reflux is where acid and other stomach contents are brought back up (regurgitated) into your throat and mouth.

It usually causes an unpleasant, sour taste at the back of your mouth.

If you have GORD, you may also experience:

a sore, inflamed oesophagus (oesophagitis)
bad breath
bloating and belching
feeling or being sick
difficulty swallowing, which may feel like a piece of food is stuck low down in your throat
pain when swallowing
a sore throat and hoarseness
a persistent cough or wheezing, which may be worse at night
tooth decay and gum disease

If you also have asthma, the symptoms may get worse as a result of stomach acid irritating your airways.