The three most common symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) are heartburn, acid reflux and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).

Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning pain or a feeling of discomfort that develops just below your breastbone. The pain is usually worse after eating, or when bending over or lying down.

Acid reflux 

Acid reflux is where acid is regurgitated (brought back up) into your throat and mouth.

Regurgitation of acid usually causes an unpleasant, sour taste at the top of your throat or the back of your mouth.

Dysphagia

Around a third of people with GORD have dysphagia. Acid scarring leads to the oesophagus narrowing, making it difficult to swallow.

People with GORD-associated dysphagia say it feels like a piece of food has become stuck somewhere near their breastbone.

Less common symptoms

GORD can sometimes have a number of less common symptoms associated with the irritation and damage caused by stomach acid.

Less common symptoms include:

• feeling sick
• persistent cough, which is often worse at night
• chest pain
• wheezing
• tooth decay
• laryngitis – inflammation of the larynx, which causes throat pain and hoarseness

If you have asthma and GORD, your asthma symptoms may get worse as a result of stomach acid irritating your airways.

When to seek medical advice

You probably don't need to see your GP if you're only experiencing symptoms such as heartburn once or twice a month.

You should be able to control your symptoms by making a number of lifestyle changes and using over-the-counter medication as and when symptoms occur.

Read more about treating GORD.

Visit your GP if you have frequent or severe symptoms, and you're using over-the-counter medication on a daily or weekly basis. You may need prescription medication to control your symptoms and prevent complications.