GERD Management: Practical Steps to Reduce Heartburn and Protect Your Esophagus
Do you get heartburn more than twice a week? That’s a red flag for GERD and worth acting on. Gastroesophageal reflux disease happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing burning, regurgitation, cough, or trouble swallowing. You can often relieve symptoms without surgery, but you need a clear plan: stop triggers, use the right medicines, and know when to see a doctor.
First, tackle triggers you control. Lose excess weight if you can—every 10 pounds can lower reflux. Stop smoking and limit alcohol; both relax the lower esophageal sphincter and worsen reflux. Eat smaller meals and avoid late-night eating; lying down after dinner is a common mistake. Cut back on specific foods that bother you: fatty meals, fried foods, tomato products, chocolate, peppermint, spicy dishes, and citrus. Keep a simple food diary for two weeks to spot your personal triggers.
Everyday habits that help
Raise the head of your bed by 6–8 inches or use a wedge pillow to use gravity against reflux. Stay upright for at least two hours after meals. Wear loose clothes around your waist; tight belts increase abdominal pressure. If you take NSAIDs often, talk to your doctor—these can worsen symptoms for some people. Try smaller practical steps first before moving to medications.
Medicine options and when to use them
Antacids provide quick, short relief for occasional heartburn. H2 blockers (like ranitidine or famotidine) reduce acid and work for mild to moderate symptoms. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole or pantoprazole are the go-to for frequent GERD—they cut acid production more strongly and heal esophagitis. Use PPIs as directed and review long-term needs with your doctor: chronic use can raise risks for fractures, low magnesium, B12 deficiency, and kidney issues in some people.
If medicines don’t help, your doctor may order tests: endoscopy looks for inflammation, ulcers, or Barrett’s esophagus; pH monitoring measures acid exposure; manometry checks esophageal movement. Alarm symptoms—difficulty swallowing, weight loss, bleeding, or persistent vomiting—need urgent evaluation.
For people who still have bad reflux despite medicines and lifestyle changes, surgical or endoscopic options exist. Nissen fundoplication and newer procedures tighten the valve between stomach and esophagus. These can work well but carry risks and require specialist evaluation.
Finally, follow-up matters. If you take daily PPIs for more than eight weeks, see your doctor to reassess the dose and need for maintenance. If you’re on intermittent therapy, keep a symptom log to guide treatment. With targeted lifestyle steps, smart medicine use, and timely tests when needed, most people can control GERD and avoid complications.
Pregnancy often makes reflux worse because of hormones and belly pressure; talk with your obstetrician before taking meds and favor lifestyle fixes first. If you use other prescriptions, check interactions—acid reducers can change absorption of some drugs like clopidogrel or antifungals. Non-drug options like chewing sugar-free gum after meals or trying low-FODMAP adjustments help some people. Keep clear notes for your clinician to help start treatment.
