About this condition
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) develops when stomach contents reflux into the oesophagus and cause repeated troublesome symptoms or complications. Typical complaints include heartburn and sour regurgitation, sometimes more noticeable after meals or at night.
How the symptom or condition presents
A cough, hoarse voice or throat symptoms may also occur, but they have many possible causes and cannot establish GERD on their own. Difficulty swallowing, vomiting, unintended weight loss or gastrointestinal bleeding are alarm features requiring an appropriate evaluation.
Important differences and warning signs
A clinician reviews the pattern of symptoms and risk factors. Gastroscopy or specialised reflux testing is reserved for selected situations, including alarm signs, atypical symptoms or persistent problems despite treatment. Not everyone with uncomplicated reflux needs immediate endoscopy.
Evaluation and individual care
Management may involve adjusting meal timing, avoiding lying down just after dinner, addressing personal dietary triggers or using acid-reducing medicine prescribed for a suitable period. If symptoms continue, reassess the diagnosis rather than repeatedly changing over-the-counter products.
Related information: Heartburn and acid regurgitation; Gastritis and gastroduodenitis.
Signs and symptoms
- Heartburn, sour taste and regurgitation into the throat.
- Night-time symptoms or discomfort after eating.
- Possible cough or hoarseness; alarm signs include difficulty swallowing or bleeding.
Diagnosis and tests
Diagnosis is based on symptoms and clinical context, with gastroscopy or reflux testing when indicated. Alarm features and inadequate response to treatment change the diagnostic plan.
Care and treatment approaches
Personalised lifestyle measures and clinician-prescribed acid suppression may help. Persistent symptoms require review of diagnosis, treatment duration and the need for further tests.
When to seek urgent care
Call 103 or 112 for chest pressure with breathlessness or sweating, or for severe bleeding symptoms. Inability to swallow, progressing swallowing difficulty or persistent vomiting also need urgent assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Does everyone with GERD need a gastroscopy?
No. The clinician decides based on alarm symptoms, history, response to management and whether specialised testing would change care.
Why can reflux be worse at night?
Lying down after a late or large meal can allow more reflux. Meal timing and position may affect symptoms, but should be assessed individually.
Can reflux-related cough prove GERD?
No. Cough and hoarseness have multiple causes. These symptoms need assessment in context rather than automatic attribution to reflux.
Information sources
Medical source links used when preparing this article.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
