Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for "acid reflux." This is when the acid that is normally in the stomach backs up into the esophagus. When acid reflux causes bothersome symptoms or damage, it is called "gastroesophageal reflux disease" ("GERD").
You might have symptoms like heartburn (a burning feeling in the chest) or regurgitation (when acid and undigested food flow back into the throat or mouth). You might also have other symptoms like stomach or chest pain, trouble swallowing, raspy voice, sore throat, cough, nausea, or vomiting.
The doctor thinks it is safe for you to treat your acid reflux at home.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take all your medicines as instructed. These might include antacids, histamine blockers, or proton pump inhibitors ("PPIs"). Some of these are available without a prescription.
●Lose weight (if you have excess body weight).
●Raise the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches. You can put blocks of wood or rubber under 2 legs of the bed or a foam wedge under the mattress. It is not enough to sleep with your head raised on pillows.
●Sleep on your left side.
●Avoid foods that make your symptoms worse. These might include coffee, chocolate, alcohol, peppermint, and fatty foods. It might help to write down what you ate before having reflux. This can help you figure out if a food is causing your symptoms.
●Avoid late meals. Lying down with a full stomach can make reflux worse. Try to plan meals for at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
●Avoid tight clothing. You might feel better if you wear comfortable clothing that does not squeeze your stomach area.
●Stop smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help.
When should I get emergency help?
Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you have:
●Signs of a heart attack, which might include:
•Severe chest pain, pressure, or discomfort with:
-Trouble breathing, sweating, upset stomach, or cold, clammy skin
-Pain in your arms, back, or jaw
-Worse pain with activity like walking up stairs
•Fast or irregular heartbeat
•Feeling dizzy, faint, or weak
●Sudden, severe belly pain, or constant belly pain
Return to the ED if you have:
●Blood in your vomit
●Red, black, or tar-colored bowel movements
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You choke or feel like food gets stuck when swallowing.
●You have pain when swallowing.
●You lose weight without trying to.
●Your reflux is very bad, very frequent, or not helped by over-the-counter medicines.
●You keep vomiting.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Acid reflux and GERD in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Acid reflux and GERD during pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Gastroesophageal reflux disease in adults (Beyond the Basics)
