By Dr. T. M. Edah

Picture the following.
You wake up in a sudden panic at night.
You feel a burning sensation up your throat as you choke and gasp for breath.

You try not to retch and throw up as you feel the bitter bile taste in your mouth.

With frequent heartburns and indigestion in the day…

And the feeling that you must sit upright to be comfortable…  

You can reasonably suspect you’re having GERD.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also called acid reflux.

What Happens During Acid Reflux?

Between the stomach and the food pipe is a special muscle, the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LOS).
After eating or drinking, the LOS closes the junction between the stomach and esophagus.
And prevents food, liquids, and other material from spilling up the gullet. 

When this function fails, acid contents or bile flow from your stomach up your food pipe, irritating it.
This is often felt as heartburn, a burning pain in your chest.

The contents may gush into your mouth, giving that unpleasant taste.
This is reflux or regurgitation.
You might feel like vomiting.
You might have an uncomfortable sensation in the center of your chest.
You might belch now and then.

The symptoms often worsen after eating.
When you lie down at night, the symptoms usually get worse.
Lying down flat makes it easier for the acidic contents to flow up your throat.

Who Can Have Acid Reflux?

GERD can affect

• pregnant women,
• infants,
• children,
• men, and
• women.

Do you experience heartburn more than twice in a week?
It’s advisable to see your healthcare professional.

What Do You Do If You Have GERD?

You can get relief from acid reflux through self-care and medications.

Self-care

This involves certain lifestyle modifications you should make.

• Raise the head of your bed by 4 – 6 inches.
  You can use a wedge pillow to lift up your chest and head at bedtime.

Reduces the possibility of acid reflux.

• After eating, wait for 1 – 2 hours before you lie down
• Eat small meals. Eat slowly.
• Eat lots of fiber.
• Drink plenty of water or fluids
• After a meal, don’t exercise for at least one hour.
• Lose excess weight.
  Avoid fatty foods, package foods, and non-nutritive items.
  This will reduce extra pressure on your stomach.
  And decrease the onset of symptoms.
• Wear loose clothing.
  Tight clothes can increase pressure on your stomach.
• Avoid the following:
• tobacco,
•  chocolate,
• caffeine,
• alcohol,
• spices,
• fried and fatty foods,
• citrus,
• carbonated beverages, and
• peppermint.

These over the counter medications can be helpful

• antacids to neutralize the acid and its effects
• h-2-receptor blockers reduce the production and release of acid
• proton pump inhibitors block production of acid in the stomach and heal the esophagus

Depending on how severe your acid reflux is, other medications or may be prescribed for you.

Your doctor may advise surgery where medications are not helpful.
Or if you prefer not to take medications for a long time.