GERD: What It Is and How to Manage It

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. It happens when stomach acid moves up into the esophagus, causing that burning feeling behind the breastbone. Most people feel it after a big meal or when they lie down.

Common Symptoms and Triggers

The classic sign is heartburn – a sour or bitter taste that rises after eating. Some people get a sour taste in the back of the throat, a chronic cough, or a feeling of a lump in the throat. Bad breath, nausea, and even chest pain that mimics a heart attack can show up.

Things that make GERD worse include fatty or fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, spicy dishes, and large portions. Wearing tight clothes, smoking, and lying flat soon after a meal also push acid upward. Even stress can amplify the symptoms.

Treatment and Lifestyle Tips

The first step is to change habits. Eat smaller meals spread throughout the day and avoid eating within three hours of bedtime. Raising the head of the bed by about six inches helps keep acid down while you sleep.

Foods that usually soothe the esophagus are oatmeal, bananas, melons, lean proteins, and ginger. Adding a splash of aloe vera juice or a spoonful of diluted apple cider vinegar can help some people, but test it carefully.

If lifestyle tweaks aren’t enough, over‑the‑counter antacids, H2 blockers, or proton‑pump inhibitors (PPIs) can reduce acid production. Use them as directed and talk to a doctor if you need them for more than a few weeks.

When symptoms persist, a doctor may recommend an endoscopy to check for damage or prescribe stronger medication. Surgery is a last‑resort option for severe cases.

Keeping a symptom diary can reveal personal triggers. Note what you eat, when you lie down, and how you feel. This simple record often leads to quick improvements.

Staying at a healthy weight also eases pressure on the stomach. Even a few pounds off can lower the frequency of heartburn. Regular gentle exercise, like walking, improves digestion without jarring the stomach.

Avoid smoking and limit alcohol. Both relax the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve that keeps acid where it belongs.

Remember, GERD isn’t just an occasional inconvenience. If you ignore it, the lining of the esophagus can become inflamed or develop ulcers. Early action keeps you comfortable and prevents complications.

So, start with small diet changes, keep your head elevated at night, and use medication only as needed. If the burn keeps coming back, schedule a check‑up. You deserve relief without long‑term damage.