Also described as: “Pet/seene mein jalan, khatti dakar”
Common symptoms
- Burning behind the breastbone (heartburn)
- Sour or bitter fluid rising into the throat
- Upper abdominal burning or discomfort
- Chronic cough, hoarse voice or throat clearing
- Symptoms worse after meals or lying down
See a doctor promptly if
- Difficulty or pain while swallowing
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Unintended weight loss
- New symptoms after age 50
Why acidity keeps coming back
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when the valve between the food pipe and stomach does not close well, letting acid flow back up. Late dinners, large meals, excess weight, smoking, tea/coffee, spicy or oily food and some medicines make it worse. Frequent use of antacids may relieve symptoms but does not treat the cause.
How it is assessed
Most people are diagnosed from their symptoms. An endoscopy is advised if symptoms persist despite treatment, if there are warning signs, or to check for H. pylori, ulcers, hiatus hernia or Barrett’s oesophagus.
Treatment
- Simple changes: earlier, smaller dinners; raising the head end of the bed; weight loss
- The right medicine, at the right dose and timing, for a defined period — then stepping down
- Treating H. pylori if present
- Further tests such as pH-impedance or manometry for difficult cases
How we can help
Frequently asked questions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shivam Kalia MBBS, MD (Medicine), DM (Gastroenterology) · Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist