A painful sensation in the chest that moves up into the throat and sometimes produces a sour taste in the back of the mouth is called heartburn. Many people experience symptoms on occasion. If symptoms occur more than two times a week, it may indicate a serious acid reflux disorder called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to prevent uncomfortable symptoms.
Foods
Certain foods affect people in different ways, even for people with acid reflux disorder. Some foods or drinks may offend some people, but others may be bothered by other foods. Spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, fatty or fried foods, citrus fruits or chocolate are often cited as offending foods for acid reflux. But the best way to prevent symptoms is to avoid the foods and beverages you find cause acid reflux, according to the NDDIC. Eat small, frequent meals instead of large meals. Avoid lying down at least 3 hours following a meal. This helps prevent stomach acid from foods rising back up into your esophagus.
Medicine
Be careful of certain medicines, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which can increase heartburn symptoms, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Sedatives and some medicines for high blood pressure may also cause symptoms.
Lose Weight
Lose weight if you are overweight. Excess weight puts pressure on the abdomen and pushes up the stomach to cause acid backup in the esophagus, the Mayo Clinic explains. Maintain your healthy weight if you are in good shape. Wear loose-fitting clothes. Tight-fitting clothing can also put pressure on the abdomen and increase acid reflux symptoms.
Sleeping
Many people have heartburn and acid reflux attacks in the middle of the night. Extra pillows do not always work because your upper body needs to be raised to stop acid reflux symptoms. Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches using wooden blocks under the bedposts. This keeps your chest raised. You can also purchase a wedge to place between the mattress and box spring to elevate the upper body, the Mayo Clinic notes.
Acid Relievers
People prone to heartburn symptoms learn to carry a pack of antacid tablets with them to take whenever an attack occurs. With acid reflux disorders, it may be necessary to use acid relievers that can decrease acid production in the stomach and prevent symptoms for several hours. These medications are available over the counter or in prescription strength.
No Smoking
If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do, stop. Smoking irritates and relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter to weaken it and trigger acid reflux symptoms, the Mayo Clinic says.
Surgery
In rare cases, surgery is a last resort if other methods do not prevent acid reflux. The surgical techniques involve strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter to stop acid reflux from occurring, according to the NDDIC.
