Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and sometimes cough or hoarseness. Causes include LES dysfunction, obesity, hiatal hernia, diet, pregnancy, and smoking. Treatment starts with lifestyle change and may include antacids, H2 blockers, or PPIs. Seek evaluation for persistent symptoms or alarm signs; endoscopy is used when indicated.
What acid reflux (GERD) looks like
Acid reflux - commonly called heartburn - happens when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. That reflux irritates the esophageal lining and causes the burning sensation people call heartburn. It can also trigger regurgitation, chest pain, chronic cough, hoarseness, or dental erosion.
Reflux is usually driven by dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and by episodes of transient LES relaxation. Contributing factors include obesity, hiatal hernia, certain foods and drinks (alcohol, fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, peppermint), some medications, pregnancy, and smoking. Stress can worsen symptoms by increasing perception of pain and by changing eating or sleep habits.
Why persistent reflux matters
Repeated acid exposure can inflame the esophagus (esophagitis). Over time that inflammation can cause scarring and strictures, and a small subset of people can develop Barrett's esophagus, a change in the esophageal lining that raises the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
You should not ignore frequent or severe reflux. Seek medical evaluation for ongoing symptoms or any "alarm" signs: difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, or persistent chest pain not relieved by antacids.
How reflux is evaluated and treated
Primary care clinicians will review your symptoms and may recommend lifestyle measures first. Common, effective steps include weight loss if needed, quitting smoking, elevating the head of the bed, avoiding late-night meals, and reducing trigger foods and alcohol.
Over-the-counter antacids and alginate preparations can give short-term relief. H2-receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce acid production and are effective when lifestyle steps are not enough. Discuss appropriate duration with your clinician; PPIs are safe and very effective for many people, but long-term use should be reviewed periodically with a clinician to confirm ongoing need and monitor for side effects .
If symptoms persist despite treatment, or if alarm signs are present, clinicians commonly recommend endoscopy to look for esophagitis, strictures, or Barrett's esophagus. The recommended age or specific triggers for endoscopy vary by guideline, so your doctor will apply current criteria to your case 1.
Children and reflux
Infants and children commonly reflux small amounts; most outgrow it. Persistent, severe, or growth-limiting reflux in children requires pediatric evaluation.
Bottom line
Acid reflux is common and often manageable with lifestyle changes and medication. Don't ignore persistent or worrying symptoms - early evaluation prevents complications and guides safe, effective treatment.
- Confirm current prevalence estimates for GERD symptoms in the U.S. and globally and update text if a prevalence figure is to be added.
- Verify guideline recommendations for the age threshold and other indications for endoscopy in adults with reflux (ACC/AHA/AGA or local gastroenterology society guidance).
- Check up-to-date evidence on long-term proton pump inhibitor safety and list specific risks only if supported by authoritative sources.