Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Prevention

There are a lot of things you can do to prevent the symptoms of GERD. Some simple lifestyle changes include:

• Elevate the head of your bed at least six inches. If possible, put wooden blocks under the legs at the head of the bed or use a solid foam wedge under the head portion of the mattress. Simply using extra pillows may not help.

• Certain foods cause the esophageal sphincter to relax for an hour or more during their digestion. Avoid these foods, especially coffee, chocolate, fatty foods and whole milk, peppermint and spearmint.

• Also limit acidic foods that make the irritation worse when they are regurgitated, including citrus fruits and tomatoes.

• Avoid carbonated beverages. Burps of gas force the esophageal sphincter to open and can promote reflux.

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals.

• Do not lie down after eating.

• Do not eat during the three to four hours before you go to bed.

• If you smoke, quit. Smoking loosens the lower esophageal sphincter and reduces the amount of saliva you produce, so your esophagus is less well rinsed.

• Avoid drinking alcohol, since it loosens the esophageal sphincter.

• Lose weight if you are obese. Obesity can make it harder for the esophageal sphincter to stay closed.

• Avoid wearing tight-fitting garments. They increase pressure on the abdomen, which can open the esophageal sphincter when it should be shut.

• To keep producing saliva so that your esophagus continues to be rinsed, it may be useful to use lozenges or gum.

People who have had symptoms of GERD or have been treated for GERD for more than five years should have an endoscopy test to look for Barrett's esophagus. If Barrett's esophagus is found, it's a good idea to have endoscopy at regular intervals so that cancerous changes can be identified and treated when the cancer is in its earliest stages.

Treatment

Treatment for most people with GERD includes lifestyle changes as described above and medication. If symptoms persist, surgery or endoscopy treatments are other options.

There are several medications that can be used to treat GERD. They include: