Acidity & GERD covers chronic heartburn, reflux, and the lifestyle and medication approaches that genuinely help versus the home remedies that mostly do not. Our gastroenterologists and editorial team explain when occasional acidity becomes GERD, when endoscopy is warranted, what PPIs achieve, and when surgical options enter the conversation.
Last reviewed: 10 August 2026
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Expert answers from our medical team
Occasional heartburn — after a heavy meal, spicy food, or coffee — is normal. GERD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) is when reflux happens more than twice a week or damages the food pipe. GERD can cause chronic cough, chest pain, throat irritation, and (long-term) increases oesophageal cancer risk. If antacids aren't enough or symptoms are frequent, see a doctor.
Eat smaller meals, don't lie down for 2-3 hours after eating, raise the head of the bed 6-8 inches (not just pillows), lose weight if overweight, avoid trigger foods (identify your own — commonly coffee, chocolate, mint, spicy or fatty food), don't smoke, and limit alcohol. Late-night dinners are one of the biggest culprits in India — eating dinner at 10pm and sleeping by 11pm is a recipe for reflux.
Occasional antacids are fine. Regular use of proton-pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole) for years has some risks: reduced absorption of B12, magnesium, calcium; slightly higher risk of bone fractures and certain infections. That doesn't mean don't use them — for genuine GERD, benefits outweigh risks — but they shouldn't be casual daily painkillers. If you need them for months, discuss whether the dose can be lowered.
Sometimes, yes. Persistent reflux increases oesophageal cancer risk (through Barrett's oesophagus). H. pylori infection can cause both reflux-like symptoms and ulcers. Occasionally, chest pain that feels like acidity turns out to be cardiac — especially in someone with heart risk factors. If new, persistent, or coming with weight loss or difficulty swallowing, get it checked.
Yes, if you have persistent acidity, an ulcer, iron-deficiency anaemia, or a family history of gastric cancer. H. pylori is very common in India (over half the adult population carries it) and treatable with a 2-week course of antibiotics plus a PPI. Testing options include breath test, stool antigen, or biopsy during endoscopy. Treating H. pylori often resolves symptoms that antacids alone couldn't.
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