Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, is a chronic condition that occurs when food, stomach acid or bile travels backward through your esophagus from your stomach. This can cause irreversible damage to your esophagus if left untreated. A variety of medications and home remedies, such as walking to lose weight, can help reduce symptoms of GERD.
Symptoms
GERD often feels like heartburn, but it doesn't just affect your chest as heartburn does. The burning sensation radiates from your chest, through your throat and leaves a sour taste in your mouth. In addition to the sensation of heartburn, you may experience sharp chest pains. You may also feel as if you have a lump in your throat while experiencing a dry or rough throat; it may feel hoarse. In severe cases of GERD, you may actually regurgitate food.
Risk Factors
Certain medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, dry mouth and pregnancy can increase your risk of developing GERD. Other conditions including scleroderma, smoking, hiatal hernia and delayed stomach emptying can also contribute to an increased risk of developing GERD. Pregnancy, excess fat or a hernia are some conditions that can push against or narrow your digestive tract, which can lead to acid reflux. Smoking and blood sugar levels may interfere and aggravate stomach acid, causing acid reflux.
Home Remedies
A variety of home remedies such as avoiding foods that upset or aggravate your condition, including pizza, chocolate, spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol, can help reduce symptoms of GERD, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Avoiding acidic foods such as pineapple, oranges and tomato-based dishes can help alleviate symptoms. Eating frequent, small meals may be helpful as your stomach can easily digest small portions throughout the day instead of eating large, heavy meals. Walking and other cardio workouts can help reduce GERD. Avoid bedtime snacks and do not eat too close to bedtime. Elevating the head of your bed with a secure wedge or other sturdy prop can help reduce GERD while sleeping.
Medications and Other Options
When home remedies seem to fail, your doctor may prescribe or recommend certain medications to reduce or block acid from reentering your esophagus. Antacids, sold over-the-counter, can help neutralize stomach acid to reduce symptoms of GERD. Your doctor may recommend acid reducers to help eliminate the amount of acid your stomach produces to control symptoms of GERD. Acid reducers are available over-the-counter, but your doctor may also prescribe stronger prescription medications that are more potent to effectively treat your GERD. Surgery may be necessary when all other treatments have failed. Your health care provider may tighten your lower esophageal sphincter to prevent acid from leaving the stomach.
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