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    3. Gastroenterology
    4. Heartburn and Acid Reflux

    Heartburn and Acid Reflux

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare London, our gastroenterology specialists assess and treat heartburn, acid reflux and related digestive conditions. If you have frequent heartburn symptoms, our team can help identify the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

    Your care begins with a detailed assessment and may include advanced diagnostic testing such as upper endoscopy or oesophageal pH monitoring. These tests help us evaluate reflux-related conditions accurately and guide treatment recommendations based on your symptoms, lifestyle and long-term digestive health needs.

     

    • Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus. You may notice symptoms after eating or when lying down or bending over. 

      The oesophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Normally, a muscle at the lower end of the oesophagus helps prevent stomach acid from flowing backward. When this muscle relaxes or weakens, acid can move into the oesophagus and irritate its lining. 

      Occasional heartburn is common. However, frequent symptoms may be associated with acid reflux or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a more chronic digestive condition. 

    • Patients often ask about heartburn vs GERD. Although they are closely related, they are not the same thing. 

      Heartburn is a symptom, usually described as a burning discomfort in the chest. GERD is a chronic condition in which acid reflux occurs repeatedly over time. 

      Heartburn occurring more than twice weekly or symptoms that persist despite medication may suggest GERD. Because symptoms can overlap with other gastrointestinal or cardiac conditions, specialist assessment is important when symptoms are ongoing or worsening. 

    • Heartburn and acid reflux symptoms may include: 

      • Burning discomfort in the chest after eating 
      • Burning symptoms that worsen when lying down or bending over 
      • A sour, acidic, or bitter taste in the mouth 
      • Regurgitation of food or liquid 
      • Difficulty swallowing 
      • Chronic throat clearing or cough 
      • Hoarseness or irritation in the throat

      If these symptoms occur frequently or begin to interfere with daily activities, they may indicate gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a more persistent form of acid reflux. 

      While occasional heartburn is common, ongoing or worsening symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional to rule out complications and determine appropriate treatment options.

    • Heartburn is most commonly caused by stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus, a process known as acid reflux. Several dietary, lifestyle, and medical factors can increase the risk of symptoms. 

      Lifestyle and dietary factors may include: 

      • Large meals 
      • Fatty or fried foods
      • Spicy foods 
      • Chocolate or peppermint 
      • Alcohol or caffeine 
      • Eating late at night 

      Medical and physical factors may include:

      • Excess weight
      • Pregnancy 
      • Hiatal hernia 
      • Delayed stomach emptying 

      Symptoms may worsen when lying down shortly after eating. Because triggers vary between individuals, identifying contributing factors is an important part of effective acid reflux treatment. 

    • You should see a healthcare professional if your heartburn symptoms: 

      • Occur frequently 
      • Persist despite over-the-counter medication 
      • Interfere with sleep or daily activities
      • Are associated with swallowing difficulty, nausea, or unexplained weight loss 

      Without appropriate evaluation of heartburn or GERD treatment, persistent acid exposure may lead to inflammation or damage in the oesophagus. 

      Early diagnosis allows for more effective management of heartburn and acid reflux and may help prevent more persistent symptoms or complications over time.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare London, your care begins with a detailed consultation with a gastroenterology specialist. 

      Your consultant will review: 

      • Your symptoms and their frequency 
      • Dietary and lifestyle triggers 
      • Any previous treatments or investigations 
      • Associated digestive or throat symptoms 

      Diagnostic investigations may include: 

      • Upper endoscopy, which uses a flexible camera to examine the oesophagus and stomach 
      • Oesophageal pH monitoring, which measures acid exposure within the oesophagus 
      • Imaging, where appropriate, to assess digestive anatomy 
      • Laboratory testing, if related digestive conditions are suspected

      Different patients require different investigations, and your diagnostic pathway will be tailored to your symptoms and clinical findings. 

    • During your appointment, your consultant will take time to understand your symptoms and how they are affecting your daily life. 

      Your consultation may include: 

      • A detailed discussion of your heartburn symptoms and triggers 
      • Review of medications, diet, and lifestyle factors 
      • A physical examination where appropriate 
      • Recommendations for diagnostic testing if required 
      • Discussion of initial treatment and symptom management options 

      Our gastroenterology team provides clear answers and personalised care to help you manage symptoms and support your long-term digestive health. 

    • Your treatment depends on how often your symptoms occur and how severe they are, as well as whether acid reflux or GERD is present. 

      Your personalised treatment plan may include: 

      • Dietary and lifestyle modifications 
      • Medication to reduce stomach acid production 
      • Medication to improve digestive function 
      • Weight management support where appropriate 
      • Monitoring and follow up for persistent symptoms 

      Lifestyle recommendations may include avoiding meals late at night, reducing trigger foods, and elevating the head during sleep. 

      Where appropriate, your consultant may recommend personalised acid reflux treatment or more structured GERD treatment to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. 

    • When you choose Mayo Clinic Healthcare for heartburn assessment, acid reflux treatment, or GERD treatment, you benefit from 

      • Access to world class gastroenterology specialists 
      • Advanced diagnostic testing designed to identify the underlying cause of symptoms accurately 
      • Multidisciplinary coordination across gastroenterology, radiology and related specialities where appropriate 
      • Care tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle, and long term digestive health goals 
      • Patient-centred care that provides clear guidance throughout your care journey 

      Our approach reflects Mayo Clinic’s commitment to delivering the right answers through evidence based, compassionate care. 

    Private health insurance 

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare London works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. 

    Self-pay arrangements are also available, and our team can guide you through pricing and appointment availability.

    Book a heartburn assessment 

    If you are experiencing persistent heartburn or reflux symptoms, our expert team is here to help. 

    We provide advanced diagnostics, personalised acid reflux treatment, and expert GERD treatment to identify the cause of your symptoms and support your long term digestive health. 

    Request an appointment today or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to arrange your consultation at Mayo Clinic Healthcare London. 

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    4. Heartburn and Acid Reflux