Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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You’ve had a gastroscopy (OGD), and the results were reassuring, there was no evidence of damage, inflammation, or anything serious in your oesophagus or stomach.
Despite this, you may still experience symptoms such as heartburn or acid reflux. When this happens in the absence of visible inflammation on endoscopy, the condition is called Non-Erosive Reflux Disease (NERD).
This is a very common condition, and while uncomfortable, it is not dangerous.
Common Symptoms
People with NERD often report:
- Heartburn – a burning feeling rising from the chest
- Acid regurgitation – a sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Bloating, belching or nausea
Symptoms often occur after eating, when lying down, or at night.
What Causes It?
In NERD, acid or other stomach contents can irritate the food pipe (oesophagus), even if they don’t cause visible damage. Contributing factors may include:
- Weakness or relaxation of the valve between the stomach and oesophagus (lower oesophageal sphincter)
- Hypersensitivity of the oesophagus to normal acid levels
- Slow stomach emptying
- Lifestyle factors (diet, weight, posture, stress)
Managing NERD
Most people can control their symptoms with a combination of lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication.
Lifestyle Tips
- Eat smaller meals, more often
- Avoid late-night eating – finish meals 2–3 hours before lying down
- Raise the head of your bed if symptoms occur at night
- Lose excess weight if overweight
- Avoid trigger foods and drinks (common ones include: coffee, chocolate, alcohol, citrus, tomato, spicy or fatty foods)
- Stop smoking – it weakens the valve at the bottom of the oesophagus
- Reduce stress, and get regular exercise
- Wear loose-fitting clothes
Medication Options
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – such as omeprazole or lansoprazole. These reduce stomach acid and are the first-line treatment.
- H2 Blockers – like ranitidine or famotidine
- Antacids – for short-term symptom relief.
- Alginate-based treatments (e.g. Gaviscon Advance) – form a barrier to prevent reflux after meals or at bedtime.
If PPIs do not fully control symptoms, your GP may suggest adjusting the dose, switching medication, or combining it with other approaches such as:
- Low-dose tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline) – helpful if hypersensitivity is part of the problem.
Follow-Up
We do not routinely follow-up all patients with reflux symptoms in clinic, but your GP will continue your care.
If you develop any new or concerning symptoms (such as difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or weight loss), please speak to your GP.
Helpful Resources
• Guts UK – Reflux: https://
• NHS – Acid Reflux and Heartburn: https://
• NHS – Healthy Weight: https://
• NHS – Stop Smoking: https://
• British Society of Gastroenterology – Reflux: https:/
Remember: NERD is common and manageable. You can live comfortably with the right lifestyle choices and medication. If you have ongoing symptoms or concerns, speak to your GP.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Endoscopy service.
About this information
Service:
Endoscopy
Reference:
H/004
Approval date:
1 December 2025
Review date:
1 December 2028
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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.