Acid reflux, or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD, or GERD), is a very common condition, affecting up to 20% of adults in the UK. The most common symptom is heartburn, but symptoms can include a feeling of acid coming up to the back of the throat, regurgitation, vomiting, or result in a persistent cough, bad breath and a hoarse voice.
An endoscopy can diagnose any acid damage to the oesophagus, and identify any associated problems such as a hiatus hernia.
There are many lifestyle factors that can contribute to acid reflux. Symptoms may be controlled with medications aimed at reducing stomach acid, or in some cases, surgery is performed to prevent stomach acid coming up into the oesophagus. This can be completed using keyhole surgery.
For more detail, follow these links to trusted sources:
NHS website
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/
Heartburn Cancer UK
https://www.heartburncanceruk.org/persistent-heartburn
Cleveland Clinic
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17019-gerd-or-acid-reflux-or-heartburn-overview