25% of the population suffer from reflux, informally known as heartburn, at least once a month. Reported incidences of reflux are on the rise and may be due to increased obesity, longevity and the increased use of certain medicines. Reflux is the result of the oesophagus (the tube that connects the throat with the stomach) being exposed to stomach contents and leads to a burning sensation, chest pain, chronic coughing, teeth decay and belching.