It’s not just heartburn If you feel a burning sensation after eating, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When you have GERD, you feel acid reflux into your mouth. Heartburn is the classic symptom of GERD, but you may also have other symptoms. Some common symptoms If you have GERD, you may experience: frequent heartburn or nighttime heartburn, acidic fluid reflux into your mouth, frequent need for antacids, frequent eructations, worsening of symptoms after meals, when you are prone or lying down, difficulty or pain in swallowing, and occasional coughing. Note: Chest pain due to GERD may present with symptoms similar to heart problems, so you should see your doctor to evaluate all chest pain symptoms. Your evaluation During your evaluation, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and lifestyle, and may also perform tests such as a chest x-ray, gastroscopy (using a tube to reach into your stomach for diagnosis) and blood tests. This will help your doctor determine the cause of your symptoms and find the appropriate treatment. Relief Lifestyle changes or medications can often improve symptoms. Discuss these suggestions with your doctor to possibly improve your symptoms. Watch your eating habits Certain foods may increase acid production or stretch the cardia sphincter, making GERD more likely to occur. It is best to avoid them. They include: coffee, tea and cola drinks (with or without caffeine), carbonated drinks, fatty or spicy foods, mint, chocolate, onions and potatoes, and other similar foods that can cause you stomach discomfort or pain. Beware of cigarettes and alcohol. Smoking and drinking alcohol may cause your GERD and worsen your symptoms. Avoid tobacco and alcohol and see if your symptoms improve. Elevate your head. Reflux can be triggered when you are lying flat on your back, as gastric juices are more likely to flow backwards at this time. Try raising the head of the bed 10-375px. To do this, you can put a few bricks or books under the head of the bed, or use a wedge-shaped object under the mattress. Change the angle of the bed as much as possible, rather than just putting more pillows on it. Pillows can cause increased pressure in the stomach, which can worsen GERD symptoms. Seek medical help from your doctor Your doctor may recommend medication to combat stomach acid and improve digestion. Likewise, he/she may tell you which medications may worsen GERD and which you should avoid. If surgery is needed Very rarely, GERD does not respond to lifestyle changes and medical medications and surgery is needed. Your doctor will give you more information about surgical treatment. Your upper digestive system When you eat, food travels from your mouth to your stomach through a tube called the esophagus. The lower part of the esophagus has some circular muscles called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). the LES is like a one-way pass-through door that allows food to reach the stomach. A healthy LES should close quickly after food has passed to stop food and stomach acid from returning into the esophagus. A weak LES can cause acidic stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus, which is called reflux. When you have GERD Smoking, increased stomach pressure, certain foods, medications or medical problems can weaken the LES and cause reflux. If this happens often, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Persistent acid reflux can irritate the esophagus, causing burning, pressure and inflammation. The stomach acid can eventually damage the esophagus. Other tips Here are some other ways you can reduce GERD: 1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. This makes it easier for your LES to keep the food in your stomach. 2. Don’t lie down immediately after a meal. Let your stomach empty after an hour or two before lying down. 3, avoid tightening the belt and wearing tight-fitting clothing. This can lead to an increase in stomach pressure. 4, reduce weight. Excessive weight can lead to increased abdominal pressure and cause reflux.