Acid Reflux and GERD

Medically reviewed by [Clinician name, credentials] on [date]

Almost everyone gets heartburn now and then, especially after a big meal. But if it keeps coming back, it can disrupt your sleep, your meals, and your day. The good news is that most people can manage GERD with simple changes and the right medicine.

This page is for general education. It isn't a diagnosis and doesn't replace a visit with a clinician.

What is GERD?

The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. A muscle at the bottom normally keeps stomach contents where they belong. When that muscle is weak or relaxes at the wrong time, acid and food can back up. This is called acid reflux (GER).

MedlinePlus explains that occasional reflux is common. If you have symptoms two or more times a week, or reflux damages the lining of your esophagus, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

You're more likely to have GERD if you:

Are overweight or have obesity
Are pregnant
Smoke or are around secondhand smoke
Have a hiatal hernia (when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest)

Some medicines can also make reflux worse. NIDDK lists examples such as certain sedatives, some blood pressure medicines (calcium channel blockers), some asthma medicines, NSAID pain relievers, and tricyclic antidepressants. Don't stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Talk with your clinician first.

Common symptoms

Heartburn: a burning feeling in the middle of your chest, behind the breastbone, that may rise toward your throat
Regurgitation: tasting food or sour acid in your throat or mouth
Chest pain
Nausea
Trouble or pain when swallowing
A long-lasting cough, hoarse voice, or asthma-like symptoms

Not everyone with GERD has heartburn.

When telehealth works — and when you need in-person care

Telehealth often works well for:

Talking through your symptoms, triggers, and medicines
Building a plan of lifestyle changes
Choosing over-the-counter or prescription medicine
Follow-up to see how treatment is working

You may need in-person care if:

You have warning signs like trouble swallowing, vomiting, weight loss, or signs of bleeding (see below)
Symptoms don't improve with treatment
You may need tests, such as an upper endoscopy, which a GI specialist usually does [CONFIRM: GI referral partners]

How Oceanside Health can help

A careful first visit to make sure your symptoms fit reflux, and to rule out warning signs.
A medicine review to spot anything that may be making reflux worse.
A step-by-step plan. NIDDK describes options including antacids for mild symptoms, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs are better at treating GERD symptoms than H2 blockers and can heal the esophagus lining in most people. NIDDK notes that experts are still studying long-term or high-dose PPI use, so we'll talk through risks and benefits with you.
Follow-up to adjust your plan, and to step medicine down when that makes sense.
Referrals to a GI specialist when needed.

We see patients by video across Brevard County, including Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, and Melbourne.

Lifestyle steps that may help (from NIDDK and MedlinePlus):

Eat smaller meals
Don't lie down for at least 2 to 3 hours after eating
Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches, using a foam wedge or extra pillows under your head and upper back
Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms, such as spicy or fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol
Quit smoking
Lose weight if you need to
Wear loose-fitting clothes

Call 911 or go to the ER if…

Heartburn can feel like a heart attack, and a heart attack can feel like heartburn. MedlinePlus says to get help right away for chest pain with shortness of breath, or pain in your jaw or arm. Call 911 if you have:

Chest pain or pressure, especially with shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness
Pain spreading to your arm, back, neck, or jaw
Vomit that has blood in it or looks like coffee grounds
Black, tarry stools or blood in your stool, especially if you feel weak or dizzy
Food stuck in your throat and you can't swallow your saliva

See a clinician soon (call us at 321-878-8195) for vomiting that won't stop, trouble or pain swallowing, loss of appetite, or weight loss you can't explain.

Frequently asked questions

Is it heartburn or a heart attack?

It can be hard to tell. If you have chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating, or pain in your arm or jaw, call 911. Don't wait to see if antacids help.

Can I take heartburn medicine every day?

NIDDK says you shouldn't use antacids every day or for severe symptoms unless you've talked with your doctor. If you need over-the-counter medicine often, it's a good time for a visit.

What foods trigger acid reflux?

Triggers differ from person to person. MedlinePlus lists spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, fatty foods, and alcohol as common ones. Keeping a simple food diary can help you find yours.

Can GERD cause problems if it's not treated?

Yes. MedlinePlus says untreated GERD can cause inflammation and scarring of the esophagus, changes in its lining (Barrett's esophagus), a long-lasting cough, or worse asthma.

Book a visit

Tired of heartburn running your day? Book a visit or call 321-878-8195. Please don't send health details through this website or by email. We'll go over everything privately during your visit.

If you think you're having an emergency, call 911.

Sources

NIDDK (NIH). Symptoms & Causes of GER & GERD. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/symptoms-causes
NIDDK (NIH). Treatment for GER & GERD. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/treatment
MedlinePlus (NIH). GERD. https://medlineplus.gov/gerd.html
American Heart Association. Warning Signs of a Heart Attack. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack

Medically reviewed by [Clinician name, credentials] on [date]. Next review due: [date + 12 months].