When stomach acid persistently flows back into your esophagus—the tube connecting your mouth and stomach—you may be dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This constant backwash, or acid reflux, can irritate the lining of your esophagus.
Many individuals occasionally experience acid reflux. It’s quite common and usually harmless. However, when it happens frequently over time, it may lead to GERD. If you find yourself dealing with acid reflux or heartburn more than twice a week, regularly taking antacids and heartburn medications without relief, you could be suffering from GERD.
GERD is widespread, affecting over 20% of the U.S. population. It doesn’t discriminate by age, though certain people may be more prone to developing it. For instance, the likelihood of having GERD increases after the age of 40.
You are more likely to develop GERD if you are:
- Overweight or obese
- Pregnant
- Smoker or exposed to second-hand smoke
- Taking medications that could cause acid reflux
Most individuals can manage their GERD symptoms by making lifestyle adjustments and taking medications. Although rare, some people might need surgery to find relief.
Symptoms of GERD
The primary symptoms of GERD are recurrent heartburn and acid regurgitation. Some individuals may experience GERD without heartburn, feeling instead chest pain, morning hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms include dry cough and bad breath.
GERD signs and symptoms can include a range of the following:
- Burning sensation in your chest, usually after eating
- Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)
- Sensation of a lump in your throat
- Persistent cough
- Inflamed vocal cords (laryngitis)
- Asthma flare-ups
Why Does Heartburn Occur?
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, where stomach acid irritates your esophagus, causing a burning sensation in your chest. This often worsens after eating and can make sleeping difficult, as symptoms tend to intensify when lying down or reclining.
Fortunately, over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn and acid indigestion medications usually provide relief. For more persistent heartburn, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications.
Tips to Prevent GERD Symptoms
Here are ten tips to help prevent GERD and its symptoms:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones.
- Cut down on full-fat dairy products like sour cream, cheese, and whole milk, and reduce the intake of butter, oils, salad dressings, gravy, fatty meats, and other high-fat foods.
- Remain upright (sitting or standing) during and after meals.
- Avoid eating just before bedtime; aim to go to bed at least three hours after eating.
- Avoid tight clothing around the abdomen, as it can push stomach acid into the esophagus.
- Elevate the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches using wooden blocks.
- Quit smoking.
- Take prescribed acid-reducing medications as directed by your doctor.
- Identify and avoid foods that trigger your symptoms.
Medications for Treating GERD
Various OTC and prescription medications are available to treat GERD. Many OTC medications are also available in prescription strength. If OTC medications do not provide relief, your doctor might prescribe a more potent version.
The most common GERD medications include:
- Antacids – Provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acids. Examples include Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, Riopan, and Maalox.
- H-2 Receptor Blockers – Reduce acid production. Examples include Tagamet, Pepcid AC, Axid AR, and Zantac.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors – Potent acid blockers that can heal damaged esophagus tissue. Examples include Prevacid, Prilosec, Zegerid, Nexium, Protonix, AcipHex, and Dexilant.
Baclofen – A prescription drug that reduces the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, thereby decreasing acid backwash.