GERD: What It Is and How to Keep It Under Control

Got that burning feeling in your chest after a big dinner? That’s a classic sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. It’s when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation. Lots of people deal with it daily, and it can mess with sleep, work, and even mood.

Common Triggers and Symptoms

Typical symptoms include heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth, and a feeling of food coming up. Some folks also notice a chronic cough, hoarseness, or a sore throat. If you wake up coughing or have unexplained chest pain, GERD might be playing a role.

What sets it off? Spicy foods, greasy meals, chocolate, mint, coffee, and alcohol are usual suspects. Eating a large plate right before bed, wearing tight clothes, or being overweight can also push acid upward. Smoking relaxes the valve that keeps acid down, making reflux more likely.

When the discomfort shows up more than twice a week, or you start losing weight unintentionally, it’s time to talk to a doctor. Persistent symptoms can lead to esophagus damage, so early action helps prevent complications.

Treatment and Lifestyle Tips

First‑line relief often comes from over‑the‑counter antacids that neutralize acid quickly. If you need longer‑lasting control, H2 blockers or proton‑pump inhibitors (PPIs) are common prescription options. They reduce acid production, giving the esophagus time to heal.

Beyond meds, tweak your habits. Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of huge portions. Keep a food diary to spot personal triggers, then avoid them. Stay upright for at least three hours after eating—walking or light activity helps.

Weight loss makes a big difference. Even a modest drop can lessen pressure on the stomach. Raising the head of your bed by 6‑8 inches also cuts nighttime reflux, and it’s a cheap, drug‑free fix.

If lifestyle changes and meds don’t help, doctors may discuss procedures like fundoplication, which tightens the valve around the esophagus. Surgery is usually a last resort, reserved for severe cases.

Track your progress. Note when symptoms improve or flare up, and share that record with your healthcare provider. Small, consistent changes often lead to big relief, so keep at it and you’ll likely see a calmer stomach and a happier day.