What is acid reflux and heartburn?

Acid reflux is the movement of stomach acid up into your oesophagus (food pipe), when this happens frequently it is commonly referred to as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Heartburn is one of the main symptoms of acid reflux and symptoms of heartburn are caused when the acid irritates the sensitive surface of the oesophagus.

Symptoms of heartburn are typically described as a burning pain in the stomach which moves up towards the chest. Discomfort may be felt in the back of the throat creating an unpleasant or acid like taste in the mouth. Some people may also notice that swallowing can become more difficult as a consequence of recurrent acid reflux.⁹