Getting To The Root Of Reflux

The most commonly prescribed medicines in the UK are called PPIs, used for indigestion and reflux. That gives you an idea of how many people suffer from these painful, often linked conditions.

- Dr Sarah Jarvis

Both are caused by acid from your stomach, and many of the same treatments and lifestyle changes are recommended for both, but indigestion usually refers to pain in your upper tummy. Reflux is a specific type of indigestion, with symptoms mostly behind your breastbone.

Your stomach produces acid, which helps you digest and absorb nutrients from food, as well as killing bacteria. To protect the stomach lining from the burning effects of acid, it produces a protective coating of mucus. However, too much acid in the stomach can lead to inflammation of the lining, with pain in your stomach - just below the bottom of your ribs in the middle. The pain may be worse on an empty stomach. It can also lead to bloating, or feeling or being sick.

Sometimes there's no clear inflammation in the stomach lining. However, indigestion can be due to an ulcer in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum the first part of the bowel, attached to the stomach. Your doctor can help with medicines to reduce pain but always contact your doctor urgently if you vomit blood, have black, tarry poos or you are off your food.