Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
In some people, stomach acid may come up into the throat or gullet (oesophagus). This may occur at any time of day or night but is most common after meals and when lying down.
Some people do not experience any symptoms from such reflux of acid, whilst others may experience any of the following common symptoms, alone or in a combination:
• A sensation of a lump in the throat
• Excessive catarrh/mucus
• Constant throat clearing
• Recurrent coughing
• Sore throat
• Hoarse voice
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
The following instructions are recommended to reduce production of acid, prevent acid coming up in the gullet and throat, and to neutralise stomach acid. You should progressively adopt enough of these recommendations to achieve relief from your symptoms. This process will take time as the irritated gullet and throat heals and you should allow at least four to six weeks of careful treatment before you can expect relief of your symptoms.
Weight and Posture
Obesity is a major factor in promoting reflux of acid. If you are overweight your symptoms will be helped if you can reduce your weight by careful dieting. You should avoid tight clothing across the stomach. Avoid slumping, bending or stooping as much as you can.
Acid reflux occurs more often at night, while laying flat, and causes irritation of the gullet and throat that continues to bother you during the day.
An easy way to reduce this is to sleep on a bed which is raised slightly at the head end. To do this, use wood, bricks or even telephone directories under the legs of the bed to raise it by 4—10 inches.
Pillows are unlikely to help since they elevate the head only. Acid reflux will occur less if you sleep on your right side or front rather than your back.
Diet
Avoid eating large meals. It is better to eat smaller more regular meals. Sit up straight during and for a period after eating. Take your evening meal at least two hours before going to bed and try not to eat anything else after this.
Certain foods may irritate the throat, gullet, stomach and stimulate acid production. These include caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, alcohol, citrus drinks, fruit and spicy foods. You may be aware of other foods that cause the same symptoms: avoid these too.
Smoking
Smoking stimulates stomach acid production and reflux, in addition to directly irritating the throat. Therefore, if you are a smoker you should try to give up.
Medicines which promote acid reflux
Some medicines may increase acid production and/or reduce the body’s natural defence against stomach acid. These include Progesterone, Theophylline, anticholinergics, beta-blockers, Aspirin and ‘aspirin-like’ non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Brufen and Voltarol).
Do not stop taking any of your regular medications without discussing this first with your doctor.
Medicines which reduce acid reflux
Many preparations are available which reduce acid reflux and the symptoms you experience with it.
Available ‘over the counter’ at your chemists are antacids to neutralise acid in the stomach. Gaviscon which helps protect the lining of the stomach and gullet and Zantac which reduces acid production. There are many other medicines available and the Pharmacist will be able to advise you appropriately, allowing for any other medicines you are taking.
If you take antacids or Gaviscon, these will be best taken 30 to 45 minutes after eating at night.
Other medicines are available only with a prescription from your Doctor and you may be prescribed these in the ENT clinic. It is important to try and follow the advice in the leaflet in addition to taking any prescribed medicine.
Sources of additional information:
British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists www.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ear or nose and throat (ENT) service.
About this information
Service:
Ear, nose and throat (ENT)
Reference:
G/012
Approval date:
23 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.