Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Acidity, Acid Reflux and GERD: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Acidity can feel like burning in the chest or upper stomach.
It may also cause sour burps or a sour taste.
Acid reflux happens when stomach contents move back into the oesophagus.
GERD is a longer-lasting or troublesome reflux condition.
Big meals, late-night eating and lying down after meals can make symptoms worse.
Some people react to spicy foods, fatty foods, coffee, chocolate or fizzy drinks.
Antacids may help for a short time, but repeated symptoms should be checked by a doctor.
Warning signs such as vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss or chest pain need prompt medical attention.
Acidity describes burning, sour burps or a sour taste, while GERD involves stomach contents rising into the oesophagus.
Large meals, fast eating, late dinners and lying down after eating can worsen reflux symptoms.
Spicy or high-fat foods, coffee, chocolate, fizzy drinks and stress may trigger symptoms in some people.
Heartburn or reflux occurring more than once a week should be evaluated by a doctor rather than repeatedly treated with antacids.
Persistent reflux may inflame the oesophagus and is associated with Barrett’s oesophagus, while warning signs require prompt medical attention.
- Who
- People experiencing acidity, acid reflux or GERD, with guidance from Dr Sambit Kumar Bhuyan and Dr Tirathram Kaushik.
- What
- Doctors explain the differences between occasional acidity, acid reflux and GERD, along with triggers, treatments and warning signs.
- When
- Medical advice is recommended when reflux or heartburn occurs more than once a week, persists, or does not improve with self-care.
- Where
- The guidance comes from doctors at Manipal Hospital in Bhubaneswar and HCG Cancer Hospital in Mumbai.
- Why
- Frequent or persistent reflux may require medical evaluation because it can inflame the oesophagus and may contribute to Barrett’s oesophagus.
- Acidity symptoms
- Burning in the chest or upper abdomen, sour burps and a sour taste in the mouth.
- GERD
- A condition in which stomach contents rise back into the oesophagus and cause troublesome symptoms.
- Common aggravators
- Large meals, eating quickly, frequent snacking, late dinners and lying down soon after eating.
- Potential food triggers
- Spicy or high-fat foods, coffee, chocolate and fizzy drinks may worsen symptoms in some people.
- When to seek advice
- Consider medical advice when heartburn or acid reflux occurs more than once a week.
- Lifestyle measures
- Identify personal triggers, keep regular meal timings, avoid heavy meals before bed, maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
- Warning signs
- Throat discomfort, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, black stools, chest pain or symptoms that persist despite medication or self-care.