Understanding GERD

When acid from the stomach keeps coming back up...

Learn about the causes, symptoms, lifestyle changes, and treatments for acid reflux.

What is GERD?

🔵 What is GERD?

GERD is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (esophagus), causing irritation and discomfort. This backwash (reflux) can lead to heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, and other symptoms.

🔵 Common Symptoms

• Burning sensation in chest (heartburn)
• Sour taste in mouth or throat
• 💨 Burping or bloating
• 😣 Difficulty swallowing (sometimes)
• 🌙 Nighttime reflux, cough, or voice changes

Causes & Food Triggers

🟣 Why Does It Happen?

• Weakness in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
• Obesity, pregnancy
• Hiatal hernia
• • Certain medications
• • Delayed stomach emptying

Foods That Can Worsen GERD

Avoid or reduce:

• ❌ Spicy foods
• ❌ Fatty/fried foods
• ❌ Coffee, tea, carbonated drinks
• ❌ Chocolate
• ❌ Citrus fruits and juices
• ❌ Tomato-based foods
• ❌ Alcohol

Lifestyle Changes That Help

🟢 Habits That Improve Symptoms

• 🍽 Eat small, frequent meals
• 🕒 Avoid lying down for 2–3 hours after eating
• ⬆️ Elevate head of the bed while sleeping
• 🧘 Manage weight
• 🚭 Quit smoking and alcohol
• 👕 Avoid tight clothing around the waist
• Limit salty and oily foods

Diagnosis & Treatment

How is GERD Diagnosed?

• 🩺 Based on symptoms
• 📷 May need Endoscopy (to check for ulcers or inflammation)
• 24-hr pH monitoring (in resistant or unclear cases)

💊 Treatment Options

• • Antacids – Quick relief
• • H2 blockers – Reduce acid production
• • PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) – Most effective acid suppression
• • Prokinetics – Improve stomach emptying
• • Surgery (in rare resistant cases)

✅ Is GERD Curable?

• ✔️GERD is manageable with long-term lifestyle adjustments and medications
• ✔️ Some may need on-and-off treatment
• ✔️ Regular follow-up helps avoid complications like esophagitis or strictures