What Is Water Brash? And How to Deal With It
Water brash is an unpleasant rush of watery, acidic fluid that suddenly fills the mouth. It happens when excess stomach acid refluxes up into the oesophagus and mixes with saliva, often after eating or when lying down.
Also known as acid brash, it’s sometimes mistaken for simple heartburn symptoms. But while it’s linked to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), water brash is different — it’s more like an unexpected surge of sour liquid.
What Is Water Brash?
Water brash, or acid brash, is a common symptom of GERD. It occurs when stomach acid mixes with excess saliva in your throat, causing heartburn and a sudden regurgitation of liquid. The liquid often tastes sour or even like bile.
Symptoms of Water Brash
Water brash is a symptom itself. But it’s characterised by several features, including:
Sudden rush of watery, acidic fluid into the mouth
Sour or bitter taste
Excess saliva mixed with stomach acid
Burning sensation in the chest or throat (with reflux)
Nausea or mild stomach discomfort
Because water brash and GERD go hand-in-hand, you may also notice GERD symptoms like difficulty swallowing, heartburn, voice changes, and a persistent sore throat. In severe cases, persistent regurgitation can lead to lung infections, chronic sinusitis, or dental disease.
Why Does Water Brash Happen
Water brash is a symptom of GERD. GERD occurs when stomach acid moves into the oesophagus or throat due to a relaxed or weakened lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS). Usually, this forms a barrier preventing backflow.
The presence of the acid in your throat then increases salivation. Saliva contains bicarbonate, which can neutralise the acid. But if the excess saliva and acid mix, it can lead to water brash.
Causes and Triggers of Water Brash
Water brash doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. It’s usually triggered by factors that increase acid production in the stomach or weaken the LOS. Common causes and triggers include:
Large or fatty meals
Spicy, acidic, or greasy foods
Caffeine and alcohol
Smoking
Lying down soon after eating
Excess weight or pregnancy
Certain medications
One of the biggest triggers of water brash is a big meal late at night. This increases stomach pressure and makes any regurgitation worse. Understanding your specific triggers is the first step towards cutting down attacks.
How to Deal With Water Brash
The treatment for water brash is the same as for acid reflux and GERD.
During an acute attack, antacids are the only viable treatment. They neutralise the acid, therefore reducing saliva production and allowing your stomach to settle.
If your water brash episodes continue, speak to your doctor. You might benefit from preventive medications. There are two common medications:
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Strong medications that reduce stomach acid production and are often prescribed for frequent reflux or GERD.
H2 Blockers: Milder acid-suppressing drugs that work more quickly but are less potent than PPIs; available over the counter (OTC) for short-term relief.
While H2 blockers are available OTC, it’s still best to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Often, there’s an underlying cause behind your symptoms that needs investigating. Moreover, your doctor can advise on doses and any necessary lifestyle changes.
Common lifestyle changes include:
Eating smaller meals
Not eating just before bed
Quitting smoking
Losing weight (if overweight or obese)
Minimising trigger foods, e.g. spicy food, fatty food, or alcohol
When to See a Doctor
Most of the time, water brash isn’t the sign of anything serious. It’s quite common if you’ve eaten a very large meal containing lots of fat. The concern comes if attacks are repeated.
You should speak to your doctor if you experience:
More persistent or worsening attacks
Unintentional weight loss
Blood in vomit or stool
Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
Frequent vomiting
Swallowing difficulty (dysphagia)
Don’t ignore your symptoms or rely on antacids as a cure. In fact, taking antacids long-term can cause problems with your blood gases (acid-base balance). It’s always best to get thoroughly investigated. You can also choose to book an appointment with The Functional Gut Clinic to get a clearer picture of what’s going on.
Get Relief From Water Brash
You don’t have to live with sudden, sour fluid rushing into your mouth or the constant discomfort of reflux. If water brash keeps happening, it could point to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or another underlying issue.
The Functional Gut Clinic specialises in diagnosing and treating reflux symptoms, so you can identify the cause and find lasting relief.
