Patient education: Acid reflux and GERD in adults (The Basics)

What is acid reflux? — Acid reflux is when the acid that is normally in the stomach backs up into the esophagus (figure 1). The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

When acid reflux causes bothersome symptoms or damage, doctors call it "gastroesophageal reflux disease" ("GERD").

What are the symptoms of acid reflux? — The most common symptoms are:

●Heartburn, which is a burning feeling in the chest

●Regurgitation, which is when acid and undigested food flow back into your throat or mouth

Other symptoms might include:

●Stomach or chest pain

●Trouble swallowing

●Raspy voice or sore throat

●Unexplained cough

●Nausea or vomiting

Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better? — Yes. You might feel better if you:

●Lose weight (if you are overweight).

●Raise the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches – You can do this by putting 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.

●Avoid foods that make your symptoms worse – For some people, these 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 problem.

●Stop smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help you try to quit.

●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 – Some people feel better if they wear comfortable clothing that does not squeeze the stomach area.

How is acid reflux treated? — There are a few main types of medicines that can help with the symptoms of acid reflux. The most common are antacids, histamine blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (table 1). All of these medicines work by reducing or blocking stomach acid. But they each do that in a different way.

●For mild symptoms, antacids can help, but they work only for a short time. Histamine blockers are stronger and last longer than antacids. You can buy antacids and most histamine blockers without a prescription.

●For frequent and more severe symptoms, proton pump inhibitors are the most effective medicines. Some of these medicines are sold without a prescription. But there are other versions that your doctor can prescribe.

Sometimes, medicines cost less if you get them with a doctor's prescription. Other times, non-prescription medicines cost less. If you are worried about cost, ask your pharmacist about ways to pay less for your medicines.

When should I call the doctor? — While pain or burning in the chest can be a symptom of acid reflux, it can also be a symptom of something more serious like a heart problem. Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you think that you might be having a heart attack.

Symptoms of a heart attack might include:

●Severe chest pain, pressure, or discomfort with:

•Breathing trouble, sweating, upset stomach, or cold and 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

Some people can manage their acid reflux on their own by changing their habits or taking non-prescription medicines. Call your doctor for advice if:

●Your symptoms are severe or last a long time.

●You cannot seem to control your symptoms.

●You have had symptoms for many years.

You should also see a doctor or nurse right away if you:

●Have trouble swallowing, or feel as though food gets "stuck" on the way down

●Lose weight when you are not trying to

●Have chest pain

●Choke when you eat

●Vomit blood, or have bowel movements that are red, black, or look like tar

What if my child or teen has acid reflux? — If your child or teen has acid reflux, take them to see a doctor or nurse. Do not give your child medicines to treat acid reflux without talking to a doctor or nurse.

In children, acid reflux can be caused by a number of problems. Have a doctor or nurse check for these problems before trying any treatments.

More on this topic

Patient education: Cough in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Acid reflux and GERD in children and teens (The Basics)
Patient education: Spitting up and GERD in babies (The Basics)
Patient education: Acid reflux and GERD during pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Bland diet (The Basics)
Patient education: Thickening liquids (The Basics)

Patient education: Barrett's esophagus (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Gastroesophageal reflux disease in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Gastroesophageal reflux disease in children and adolescents (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux) in babies (Beyond the Basics)