🌟 What is Acid Reflux / GERD?
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus (food pipe).
If it happens often, it is called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
👉 This occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) becomes weak or relaxes at the wrong time.
⚙️ How It Happens (Simple Explanation)
Normally:
- The LES acts like a valve
- It keeps stomach acid inside the stomach
In GERD:
- The valve becomes weak or relaxed
- Acid flows upward
- This irritates the lining of the oesophagus
⚠️ Key Symptoms
🔥 Common symptoms:
- Heartburn (burning in chest)
- Acid taste in mouth (regurgitation)
- Bloating
- Dry cough
- Hoarse voice
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
🚨 Risk Factors
You are more likely to experience GERD if you have:
- Obesity (increased abdominal pressure)
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Hiatal hernia
- Certain foods and drinks
🍔 Trigger Foods
Foods that may worsen symptoms:
- Fatty foods
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Mint
- Alcohol
- Citrus fruits and juices
⚠️ Possible Complications
If untreated, long-term acid reflux can lead to:
- Oesophagitis (inflamed oesophagus)
- Narrowing of the oesophagus (stricture)
- Barrett’s oesophagus (pre-cancerous changes)
💊 Treatment Options
🧴 1. Antacids (fast relief)
- Tums
- Maalox
💊 2. H2 Blockers
- Reduce acid production
- Example: Famotidine (Pepcid)
💊 3. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
- Strongest treatment
- Help heal the oesophagus
- Example: Omeprazole
🏡 Lifestyle Changes
- Raise head of bed (6–8 inches)
- Do not eat 3 hours before bed
- Lose weight if needed
- Stop smoking
- Eat smaller meals
🧠 Key Medical Terms
- Pyrosis = Heartburn
- Dyspepsia = Indigestion
- Gastroparesis = Slow stomach emptying
🧩 Easy Read Summary
- Acid reflux is when stomach acid goes up the food pipe
- GERD is when it happens often
- It causes heartburn and discomfort
- Certain foods and lifestyle factors can trigger it
- Medicines and lifestyle changes can help
❤️ Key Message
GERD is:
- Common
- Treatable
- Manageable with lifestyle changes and medication
⚠️ Disclaimer
This information is for education only. Always seek advice from a healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment.
Understanding GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition where stomach acid flows back (refluxes) into the esophagus.
👉 This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—a muscle that acts like a valve—becomes weak or relaxes at the wrong time.
🔥 Common Symptoms
Main Symptom
-
Heartburn
- Burning feeling in the chest
- Often worse after eating or lying down
Other Symptoms
- Acid regurgitation (food or sour liquid coming back up)
- Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Chest pain
- Nausea
Less Obvious Symptoms
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Asthma-like symptoms
- Feeling of a “lump” in the throat
👉 GERD can sometimes be mistaken for respiratory or throat conditions
🧠 What Causes GERD?
- Weak or relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
- Increased pressure on the stomach (e.g., obesity, pregnancy)
- Delayed stomach emptying
⚠️ Risk Factors
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Eating large or late meals
- Certain foods and drinks
- Hiatal hernia
🥗 Dietary Triggers
Some foods can worsen symptoms:
- Coffee (caffeine)
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Fatty or fried foods
- Peppermint
- Citrus fruits (e.g., oranges)
- Tomatoes
🛠️ Lifestyle Management
Helpful Changes
- 🛏️ Raise the head of your bed
- ⚖️ Maintain a healthy weight
- 🚭 Stop smoking
- ⏱️ Avoid lying down for 3–4 hours after eating
- 🍽️ Eat smaller meals
💊 Treatment Options
🧴 Over-the-Counter Medications
- Antacids (neutralize stomach acid)
💊 Prescription Medications
- H2 blockers (reduce acid production)
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – stronger acid reduction
👉 These help:
- Reduce symptoms
- Heal the esophagus
🏥 Medical Procedures
For severe or long-term GERD:
- Surgery (e.g., tightening the LES)
- Endoscopic treatments
⚠️ Complications (If Untreated)
Long-term GERD can damage the esophagus.
Possible Complications
- Inflammation (esophagitis)
- Strictures (narrowing of the esophagus)
-
Barrett's esophagus
- A pre-cancerous condition
🚨 When to Seek Medical Help
See a doctor if you have:
- Symptoms more than twice a week
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Persistent vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe chest pain
💡 Key Messages
- GERD is common and manageable
- Lifestyle changes can make a big difference
- Early treatment helps prevent serious complications
🧾 Summary
GERD involves:
- Acid reflux into the esophagus
- Symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation
- Triggers from diet and lifestyle
- Treatments including medication and lifestyle changes
👉 With the right care, most people can control symptoms and protect their health
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