Symptoms such as throat discomfort, cough and chest pain we may often think of as ENT, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, but in fact it can also be a disease of esophageal reflux, some along with heartburn, burping, acid reflux, insomnia and other symptoms. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common disease in Western countries, with a prevalence of 20-40%. According to the medical literature in China in 2005, the incidence of GERD in China reached 6.7% and is expected to increase at a rate of 2% to 5% per year in the future. Gastroesophageal reflux refers to the reflux of gastric contents, including gastric acid, bile, pancreatic enzymes, into the esophagus, causing inflammation, erosion, ulceration and fibrosis of the esophageal mucosa, as well as other uncomfortable symptoms and complications. It is a disease associated with gastric acid and gastric motility disorders. Common symptoms of GERD include acid reflux, belching, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, and pain behind the sternum. Due to the proximity of the esophagus to the heart, the characteristics of GERD chest pain are extremely similar to angina pectoris and can be easily confused. It has been reported that many patients with GERD have been misdiagnosed as coronary artery disease and angina pectoris, but long-term treatment as coronary artery disease and angina pectoris has been ineffective. The chest pain of GERD is manifested as burning or stabbing pain behind the sternum or under the sternum, or it can be dull pain, and its attacks are related to eating, physical activity, position such as lying down and bending, etc., which can be relieved by eating cow’s milk, drinking water and acidulants. In contrast, angina pectoris mostly develops at night and worsens after exertion, with an attack time of 3-5 minutes. Position has little effect on the condition, and cannot be relieved after eating. The symptoms are significantly improved by taking vasodilator drugs, such as anti-cardiac pain and nitroglycerin. A small number of people with GERD will have symptoms of cough and asthma. Why does GERD cause asthma? Above the trachea and esophagus, both of which are connected to the pharynx, the airway leading to the trachea is open when breathing, and when ingesting and swallowing, the food passage is open and the airway is closed without error. Due to the anatomical relationship, acid or bile can not only reflux into the esophagus, but also reflux into the trachea and cause asthma, especially at night after sleep, when the body position is lying flat and the lower esophageal sphincter is relaxed. The standard of living has improved, and it is only natural to enjoy life. However, many diseases are getting younger and younger, and diet structure, lifestyle, work stress, emotional changes, and climate changes are the culprits: overeating, irregular diet; excessive consumption of spicy, sour, sweet and other irritating foods; eating burnt, scorched, roasted, fried processed foods and other bad habits can cause GERD. Which treatment option is commonly used in clinical practice for GERD? Treatment of GERD includes postural therapy, diet, medication, gastroscopic therapy and surgical treatment. Most people need only dietary and pharmacological treatment. Gastroenterology departments in regional hospitals now also carry out this treatment. Treatment of esophageal reflux disease is mainly noted from the following aspects: eat small and frequent meals, do not overeat, focus on high protein and low fat vitamin-rich diet, do not be overly fatty; do not eat 2 hours before bedtime, keep the stomach in a non-filled state, avoid foods that reduce the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter and increase gastric acid secretion, such as carbonated gas-producing beverages, high-fat diet, chocolate and spicy foods. There are three major classes of medications commonly used clinically, including proton pump inhibitors (PPI) or H2 receptor blockers, gastric mucosal protectors and pro-gastrointestinal motility agents. How to prevent GERD? Gastroesophageal reflux disease has a long course and is prone to recurrence. With timely treatment at a regular hospital, symptoms can be relieved and cured, but attention must be paid to dietary regimen and correction of poor lifestyle habits. Some causes of the disease can be prevented, while others are difficult to prevent. It is important to look at stomach acid in two ways. Stomach acid itself helps digest food and is essential for the body. Young people, who are vigorous, naturally secrete relatively more stomach acid, which is the correct physiological phenomenon. Other preventions include: control the amount of food, eat regularly and quantitatively, eat a light diet (or less and more meals), do not have a full dinner, do not eat 2-3 hours before bedtime, and preferably do not have a late night snack before bedtime, as a study by Japanese gastroenterologists in a high incidence area of gastric cancer, late night snack is also one of the triggering factors of gastric cancer. Reduce fat intake, eat less fried, deep-fried and barbecued foods, and cook mainly with boiling, stewing and braising, without frying. Reduce the consumption of acidic gas-producing drinks and sweets, such as beer, cola, Sprite, lemon juice, chocolate, etc. Avoid spicy, stimulating, cold and indigestible foods. Increase protein intake, such as lean meat, egg whites, milk, soy products, etc. Quit smoking and alcohol. Excessive obesity is to lose weight. Office workers, stressful, long seat is not moving to do more exercise, more and friends climbing, playing ball, swimming, chatting, shopping, participate in recreational activities, etc., can reduce stress, reduce the occurrence of GERD.