Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): When Acid Reflux Becomes a Chronic Problem

13 April 2026

Experiencing burning in your chest, gassiness and bloating after a meal, again?

If your solution to the acid reflux and heartburn is to pop yet another antacid from the pharmacy, it may be time to rethink that approach. 

These are not just random symptoms. They could be signs of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), one of the most common digestive conditions affecting adults today. The good news is, GERD does not have to take over your life. With the right diagnosis and treatment, it can be effectively managed. 

Dr Khoo Stanley, our Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, shares his expert insights on GERD, including common gastrointestinal symptoms you may not be aware of, common triggers, and treatment options you can explore.

What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, commonly known as GERD, is a chronic digestive condition in which stomach acid repeatedly flows back up into the oesophagus — the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. 

This backflow, known as acid reflux, irritates the lining of the oesophagus and causes the uncomfortable symptoms many people experience after eating. 

According to Dr Stanley, the most common symptoms of GERD include: 

• Persistent heartburn
• Burning sensation in the throat
• Bloating, especially after meals
• A sour taste in the mouth
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Frequent burping

In more severe cases, some individuals may experience regurgitation, where small amounts of stomach contents travel back up into the mouth, or in serious instances, result in vomiting.

GERD can also present with symptoms that patients may not immediately associate with a digestive condition, such as a persistent sore throat. More strikingly, some individuals experience chest discomfort severe enough to raise alarm.

“The chest pain may mimic a heart attack, usually at the centre part of the chest,” explains Dr Stanley.

Causes and Risk Factors for GERD

According to Dr Stanley, there is no single clearly defined cause of GERD. However, certain conditions and lifestyle factors can increase one's risk.

One notable example is a condition known as hiatus hernia, which affects a small subset of patients. In these individuals, part of the stomach protrudes above the diaphragm, causing the sphincter at the junction between the oesophagus and stomach to loosen. This makes them significantly more prone to acid reflux.

Beyond this, the following risk factors may also increase one's likelihood of developing GERD:

• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Being obese
• Lack of physical exercise
• Pregnancy

What Are Common Acid Reflux Triggers?

While it can be hard to pinpoint the root cause of GERD, Dr Stanley shares that there are certain habits that are commonly known to trigger acid reflux.

Two major triggers are eating heavy meals and late-night eating.

“With heavy meals, you will have a lot of food and stomach acid in the stomach, which has a higher risk of being regurgitated,” he shares. 

For late-night meals, he explains that lying down too soon after eating allows stomach acid to flow back up more easily. This is why patients with GERD are advised to avoid eating at least 3 to 4 hours before bedtime.

What Are Foods That Trigger GERD?

When it comes to specific food triggers, however, it is more individualistic. What triggers acid reflux in one individual may not affect another. If you notice certain foods consistently worsening your symptoms, it is best to avoid them. 

More importantly, Dr Stanley emphasises that it is not necessarily what you eat that triggers acid reflux, but rather how you eat. 

“When eating, you should eat slowly, and chew your food properly. Avoid heavy or late-night meals,” he shares. 

How to Manage GERD Effectively

Making lifestyle changes to address risk factors, along with adjusting your eating habits, is a key step in managing GERD.

In addition to that, treatment with certain medications can help reduce stomach acid and relieve symptoms of acid reflux. 

However, Dr Stanley emphasises that it is important not to self-diagnose or rely on over-the-counter medications for self-treatment. If you suspect you may have symptoms of GERD, it is best to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and care. 

If symptoms persist for more than 4 to 8 weeks, a consultation with a gastroenterologist is recommended. Further investigations, such as an endoscopy, may be performed. Depending on the case, an oesophageal pH study may also be carried out to assess acid reflux activity.

Additionally, seek prompt specialist care if you experience symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain that wakes you up in the middle of the night, weight loss and tiredness.

Don’t Let Acid Reflux Disrupt Your Life

GERD is a long-term condition that requires more than just temporary relief. By making consistent changes to your eating habits and lifestyle and seeking the right medical support with a gastroenterologist, GERD can be effectively controlled. 

Do you or a loved one struggle with persistent acid reflux and other symptoms of GERD? Click below to schedule an appointment with our Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist today.