THE BIRO TRICK

GASTRIC specialist Dr Anthony Hobson says many people’s habits make reflux worse.

‘They try to alleviate digestive issues by making themselves belch, but when they swallow air and regurgitate it, the stomach contents get regurgitated too,’ he says.

‘We can do simple tricks to train them out of this, such as getting them to put a biro between their teeth and breathe normally.

‘If you do this, you swallow without taking in so much air, and so by practising this when they feel the urge to belch, they can help their symptoms to improve.’