All Island Gastroenterology & Liver Associates, P.C.

1 Arlington Ave - Suite 1 - Malverne , NY 11565 - (516) 593 - 4451
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GERD - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

 

What is it?
GERD (or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) occurs whan a small valve (the lower esophageal sphincter or LES) between the stomach and esophagus leaks, causing digestive fluids and stomach acid to "back up" from the stomach into the esophagus. The acid can irritate the esophagus, leading to symptoms. GERD can also damage the delicate lining on the inside of the esophagus, leading to more serious problems in some patients.

Frequent heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD and often occurs after meals. It is often described as an uncomfortable, rising, burning sensation behind the breastbone. Other major symptoms of GERD are: regurgitation of gastric acid or sour contents into the mouth; difficult and/or painful swallowing; and chest pain.

If you have persistent and frequent heartburn or other GERD symptoms, see your doctor.

 

 

What are the Goals of treatment?

The goals of treatment are to relieve the GERD symptoms and heal any damage to the esophagus. The most effective approach to achieve these goals is to reduce the amount of stomach acid "backing up" into the esophagus.

 

 

What are steps can be taken to relieve GERD symptoms?

Follow all of your doctor's directions and take any medications as directed. Read further for simple lifestyle changes that you may find helpful. Please consult with your doctor to see which of these is appropriate for you.

GERD - PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

 

1. BED BLOCKS
Elevate the head of your bed 2-6 inches with wood blocks or bricks. Using extra pillows is NOT a good substitute. Use of a foam wedge beneath the upper half of the body is an alternative.

6. AVOID TIGHT CLOTHING
Tight belts, tight pants or girdles can increase the pressure on the abdomen.

2. AVOID FOODS THAT CAUSE SYMPTOMS OF GERD
Foods that may aggravate symptoms include: spicy and fatty foods, tomato and citrus juices (such as grapefruit and orange juices), chocolate, mints, coffee, tea, colas, and alcoholic beverages.

7. ANTACIDS
Antacids can be taken at bedtime and 30-60 minutes after each meal or as directed by your physician. 

3. DO NOT LIE DOWN FOR UP TO 2 HOURS AFTER EATING
Allow gravity to work. Also, avoid bending over at the waist to pick up things; instead bend at the knees.

8. EAT SMALLER MEALS
Don't overfill your stomach. 

 

4. STOP SMOKING
If you cannot stop, decreasing the number of cigarettes you smoke may help.

9. MAINTAIN YOUR IDEAL WEIGHT
Speak to your doctor to find out your ideal weight and try to maintain that weight. Excess weight increases the amount of pressure constantly placed on your stomach. Even small amounts of weight loss may help. 

 

5. LIMIT COFFEE
Limit coffee to 1 cups per day. Limiting consumption of other caffeine-containing beverages (tea, soft drinks) may also be helpful.

 

Some patients find that some of all of the following suggestions are helpful in reducing or preventing heartburn and other symptoms of GERD. Consult with your doctor to determine which of these measures may be appropriate for you.