The specialists at Norton Thoracic Institute recommend the following lifestyle and diet changes as the first line of defense against GERD:

• Lose weight.
• Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux. These vary from person to person, but common triggers include chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, peppermint, and fatty foods.
• Eat your last meal of the day at least two hours before bedtime.
• Raise the head of your bed six to eight inches by placing a foam wedge (available at medical supply stores) under your mattress, or by getting an adjustable bed.

If you continue to experience reflux despite lifestyle and diet changes, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:

Over-the-counter antacids (TUMS, Maalox, Rolaids, Mylanta) to relieve the discomfort of occasional heartburn. You should take these on an as-needed basis.

Proton pump inhibitors (AcipHex, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix). A six-week-long trial of PPIs may be prescribed for appropriate patients. If symptoms return, the NTI medical team will assess whether the medication should be continued or whether surgery might be a better option. PPIs relieve heartburn but do not treat the underlying reflux; as a result, a patient taking a PPI may unknowingly continue to experience reflux and damage to the esophagus. Patients taking PPIs for extended periods must watch for other symptoms of reflux (listed above) and have their condition checked regularly by their doctor.

Laparoscopic fundoplication surgery to strengthen the LES and diaphragm, and prevent reflux. The surgeon can also repair a hiatal hernia during this procedure.

Learn more about GERD services at Norton Thoracic Institute

GERD is short for gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is mild acid reflux, a condition that occurs at least twice a week. Essentially it’s stomach acid that flows from the stomach back up through your esophagus, and causes burning chest pain. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and regurgitation of food or liquid and a sour taste in your mouth.

People with GERD often experience heartburn—a burning sensation in the center of the chest—at least two or three times a week. Although heartburn may be the most noticeable symptom of GERD, there are several other symptoms:

• Regurgitation of food or fluid into the mouth
• Stomach pain
• Problems swallowing or food getting stuck
• Painful swallowing
• Continual hoarseness or sore throat
• Long-term cough
• An acidic taste in your mouth
• Feeling like you have a lump in your throat
• Worsening dental problems
• Frequent lung or sinus infections
• Waking up to a choking sensation.

Taking over-the-counter or prescription drugs for GERD may relieve the symptoms of heartburn ass

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