Acid reflux disease, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when the digestive acids that normally stay in the stomach, enter your esophagus. This happens because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, which acts like a valve, malfunctions and allows the acid to travel back up. Acid reflux can cause heartburn or burning sensations in the stomach, chest and throat. It can also cause a chronic cough and difficulty swallowing along with being quite uncomfortable. Luckily there are some things you can do to manage the symptoms of GERD.
Step 1
Avoid food irritants. Learn which foods and drinks set off your symptoms and find alternative choices. The New York-Presbyterian Hospital states that fatty and spicy foods, alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, tomato sauce, citrus fruits, mint, onions and carbonated beverages are all common acid reflux triggers to avoid. Eating smaller more frequent meals and staying upright for about three hours after you eat will help as well.
Step 2
If you smoke, stop. The American College of Gastroenterology states that if you have GERD and smoke you should quit because "tobacco inhibits saliva, which is the body's major buffer. Tobacco may also stimulate stomach acid production and relax the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach, permitting acid reflux to occur."
Step 3
Take pressure off of your stomach. If you are overweight, losing weight will reduce pressure on the stomach, which may be causing the acid to regurgitate. Wearing loose fitting clothing and avoiding excessive bending can also help.
If your symptoms are worse at night, the National Institutes of Health suggests propping your head up on pillows or raising the head of your bed a few inches with blocks. You can also try using a foam wedge or angled pillow.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor about the many medication options available. These include antacids, medications that coat the lining of the stomach or decrease the production of acid, and drugs that make your stomach empty faster and stimulate your digestive system. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, "Because drugs work in different ways, combinations of medications may help control symptoms." You and your doctor will need to work together to find the right mix and dosage.
Step 5
Consider surgery if conservative methods fail and your symptoms are severe. In this surgery, called fundoplication, structural changes are made to your stomach to prevent acid regurgitation. While not as common, there are also various endoscopic techniques that aim to strengthen the muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter. If your condition is due to a hiatal hernia, your hernia will need to be repaired.
Tips and Warnings
- Lifestyle changes and medication are usually the most common tools to manage acid reflux disease.
- Talk to your doctor if your symptoms become severe, to avoid complications. If left untreated, there can be serious damage to your esophagus and you may have a higher risk of esophageal cancer.
