Burning sensation after eating? Doctor explains Acid Reflux in Adults | Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

If you’ve ever felt that burning sensation in your chest after eating, you’re not alone. Acid reflux — or heartburn — affects millions of adults and can be both uncomfortable and worrying. In this video, Dr James O’Donovan, UK medical doctor, explains what acid reflux feels like, why it happens, and how you can manage and prevent it. You’ll also learn about a commonly missed cause of reflux — Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) — a stomach infection that can lead to long-term problems if left untreated. Causes Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back up towards the oesophagus. Common triggers include: 1. Large meals, late-night eating, or lying down soon after food 2. Coffee, alcohol, chocolate, spicy or fatty foods 3. Smoking, being overweight, or pregnancy 4. Certain medicines such as anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen) 5. Stress and anxiety 6. Hiatus hernia or H. pylori infection Symptoms Typical symptoms of acid reflux include: - Burning or discomfort in the chest (heartburn) - Sour taste in the mouth or throat - Bloating, nausea, bad breath, hoarse voice, or a persistent cough Symptoms may worsen after eating, bending over, or lying down. Treatment Mild symptoms often improve with lifestyle changes: - Eat smaller, more frequent meals - Avoid eating 3 hours before bed - Stop smoking and limit alcohol - Lose weight if appropriate - Avoid trigger foods and drinks Short-term medicines include: Antacids (e.g. Rennie, Tums, Mylanta) – neutralise stomach acid Alginates (e.g. Gaviscon) – form a protective barrier If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, or H2-blockers such as famotidine. Persistent or recurrent symptoms may need investigation for H. pylori or hiatus hernia. **When to Seek Medical Advice** Speak to your doctor if: - Symptoms occur most days - Over-the-counter medicines haven’t helped after 2 weeks - You have difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss - Symptoms return after stopping medication ***Seek urgent medical help if you experience:*** - Vomiting blood - Black, tarry stools - Severe chest pain Important Considerations This video is for general educational purposes and is not personal medical advice. If you’re concerned about your symptoms or medication, speak to your GP, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. _______________________________________________ Contents and Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:59 – What acid reflux feels like 01:22 – Common triggers and causes 01:52 – Hidden cause: H. pylori infection 03:30 – Self-care and lifestyle changes 03:59 – Over-the-counter treatment 05:04 – When to see your doctor 06:23 – Summary and key takeaways Further Information (Harvard Style References) NHS. (2024). Heartburn and acid reflux. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/ (Accessed: 16 December 2025). NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. (2024). Dyspepsia – gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/dyspepsia-gastro-oesophageal-reflux-disease/ (Accessed: 16 December 2025). BMJ Best Practice. (2025). Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in adults. Available at: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000119 (Accessed: 16 December 2025). Mayo Clinic. (2025). GERD (acid reflux). Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd (Accessed: 16 December 2025). Cleveland Clinic. (2025). Helicobacter pylori infection. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21436-h-pylori-infection (Accessed: 16 December 2025). ************************ Connect Through Subscribe for weekly videos explaining medical topics in clear, simple language: @DrODonovan Disclaimer This video is for general educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your own doctor or healthcare provider. Always seek professional advice for diagnosis or treatment decisions. Legal Information Author: Dr James O’Donovan GMC 7436647 Publication date: 16 December 2025 Next review due: December 2026 Conflict of interest: None declared