Common causes

• A muscle ring at the bottom of the food pipe does not close fully¹
• Being overweight, a hiatal hernia, or pregnancy¹
• Smoking, or lying down soon after eating¹
• Some medicines. Never stop a medicine before asking your doctor¹

How it is treated

Treatment starts with lifestyle changes. Antacids give short-term relief. Other medicines lower stomach acid and give longer relief. Surgery may be an option if symptoms do not go away.¹

What you can do each day

• Avoid foods that bother you, and caffeine like coffee, tea and chocolate²
• Avoid alcohol and smoking²
• Eat smaller meals more often, and avoid late-night snacks²
• Eat dinner some hours before bed, and stay upright after eating^1,2
• Raise the head of your bed with blocks or a wedge, not just pillows^1,2
• If you are overweight, losing weight often helps¹