Acid Reflux from Infancy to Adulthood III: Adults

Adults may need to limit or avoid:

o Caffeine: including cola, coffee, tea, iced tea

o Energy drinks with sugar and caffeine

o Citrus foods such as oranges, orange juice

o Tomatoes and tomato sauce

o Carbonated drinks such as seltzer or soda

o Spicy food

o Chocolate

o High fat foods and fried foods

o Alcohol (beer, wine, hard liquor)

Healthy Habits:

o Eat small, frequent meals.

o Avoid eating before bedtime.

o Eat slowly and chew well.

Medication:

o Antacids (such as Maalox, Tums or Amphogel)

o H2 Blocker (such as Zantac, Tagamet or Pepcid)

o Proton Pump Inhibitor (such as Prilosec, Nexium or Protonix)

Over the counter and prescription medications may be recommended by the doctor. Check with the doctor on the best medication to use. An adult on medications to treat other health conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease, etc. should consult with the doctor and pharmacist about potential drug interactions from taking GERD medications with other prescription medications. Unfortunately, some medications used to treat other chronic conditions may cause digestive discomfort.

Treatment Challenges

Many adults and their doctors find that it is challenging to treat multiple health conditions and GERD. Adults with GERD and other health conditions need to play an active role in their health care. It is important to inform all doctors and specialists of your full medical history, all medications you are taking, including supplements and vitamins. It is vital to reveal lifestyle factors that may impact digestive health including eating habits, alcohol consumption and exercise.

Long Term Outlook

You are not alone. Most adults will get nods of sympathy if they pull out their over-the-counter acid reducer after lunch. The good news is adults with GER and GERD respond well to treatment. While it may be tempting to self treat with the variety of medications in the antacid aisle of the pharmacy, it is important to consult your doctor for a treatment plan. Some adults with GERD are at risk for complications from GERD including a precancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus and may need to be monitored and tested on a regular basis. You can read more about GERD complications here.