GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition where the acid in your stomach moves back up your digestive tract. The acid can irritate the lining around your esophagus and cause you to feel a burning sensation in your chest and throat known as heartburn. According to the Mayo Clinic, further GERD symptoms include nausea, a sour taste in your mouth, hoarseness and problems swallowing. There are specific steps to relieve GERD symptoms.
Step 1
Go to your local pharmacy to purchase over-the-counter remedies for GERD. Antacids neutralize the acid in your stomach and are available in liquid form. H-2-receptor blockers like famotidine and cimetidine are available in tablet form and work to prevent acid production in the stomach. Proton pump inhibitor medications like omeprazole and lansoprazole also decrease acid production in the stomach. Use the medications as directed. Call your doctor if you are unsure of which over-the-counter remedy is best.
Step 2
Avoid smoking as this can affect your esophagus' lower esophageal sphincter. Smoking can increase GERD symptoms.
Step 3
Avoid foods that provoke GERD symptoms. Such foods are chocolate, garlic, onions, fatty foods and alcohol.
Step 4
Remain upright two to three hours after eating. GERD symptoms are provoked if you immediately lie down after eating.
Step 5
Place a foam wedge in between your mattress and boxspring. This will elevate the head of your bed and help decrease GERD symptoms.
Step 6
Lose weight if you are overweight. Packing a couple more pounds can significantly increase your GERD symptoms. Go to your doctor to help you devise a weight-loss plan.
Step 7
Go to your family doctor if your GERD symptoms do not get better. Obtain a prescription for a stronger H-2-receptor blocker like cimetidine or stronger proton pump inhibitor like pantoprazole. Also, your doctor can prescribe medications called prokinetic agents that tighten the sphincter (valve) in your lower esophagus to prevent acid from moving up from your stomach to your mouth.
Step 8
Go to your surgeon if the medications do not work to clear your GERD symptoms. Your surgeon can perform a Nissen fundoplication to tighten your lower esophageal sphincter to prevent reflux. He can perform an EndoCinch endoluminal gastroplication to place stitches in your stomach to prevent GERD symptoms. The Stretta system is another procedure in which the surgeon can use heat to form scar tissue on the esophagus. This also relieves GERD symptoms. Talk with your surgeon to discuss which option is best for you.
Things You'll Need
- Antacid
- H-2-receptor blocker medication like cimetidine or famotidine
- Proton pump inhibitor medication like omeprazole and lansoprazole
- Cimetidine or pantoprazole
- Prokinetic agent
- Foam wedge
