do they not sell antacids in the U.K.? This can become quite serious if you do damage to your esophagus. I recently started with same problem, i would have "funny" breathing, like a quick sharp inhaling with a feeling that my throat was closing off and also having probs swallowing just about anything, i would put it in my mouth and then pray i would be able to get it down without choking to death. My doc started me on reflux meds, but before i saw him i was taking OTC antacids like Tums. I hope it doesn't get worse for you. yeti105
Also try sleeping with your head-upper-body elevated a few inches by placing something under the mattress to angle it up at top.