Why do the symptoms come and go?

Things that can make reflux symptoms worse

People do not experience heartburn or reflux symptoms all the time. Some of the following things may make your heartburn or other reflux symptoms worse.

Foods - can make reflux symptoms reflux worse

Foods

Certain types of food, such as fatty or spicy foods, can trigger heartburn. Large meals may increase pressure in your stomach causing acid to rise more easily. Lying down soon after eating also allows acid to enter your oesophagus more easily.

Smoking - can make reflux symptoms reflux worse

Pregnancy

The increased pressure on your stomach from the baby may increase the risk of heartburn.

Smoking - can make reflux symptoms reflux worse

Smoking

Smoking may aggravate heartburn in some people.

Wearing tight clothes - can make reflux symptoms reflux worse

Excess weight

Being overweight puts extra pressure on your stomach.

Wearing tight clothes - can make reflux symptoms reflux worse

Wearing tight clothes

Tight waistbands or belts can put extra pressure
on your stomach.

Bending over - can make reflux symptoms reflux worse

Bending over

Bending allows stomach acid to enter your oesophagus more easily.

Medications

Some medicines may aggravate heartburn; for example, some of the anti-inflammatory medications commonly used to treat arthritis, pain or inflammation.

If you are experiencing heartburn, ask your doctor about the medications that you are taking.

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