Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe (esophagus), causing discomfort. This can lead to symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation of food, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and a chronic cough. This commonly occurs in one in five people. It can affect people of all ages, including children. It is most common in adults aged 40 and over and occurs more in men than in women.
Treatment for acid reflux typically involves lifestyle changes, medications like antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and sometimes, in more severe cases, surgery.