![]() ![]() Some evidence suggests that PPIs are linked to an increased risk of infection from Clostridioides difficile, or C. PPIs are considered safe and effective, although they may lead to side effects such as headaches, upset stomach, or diarrhea. They are available over the counter, or they may be prescribed by a doctor. PPIs work by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach produces, which allows the esophageal lining to heal in the majority of people with GERD. Treatment for GERD starts with lifestyle modifications, adds Hagan: “We’ll ask patients to try these steps before we offer medication, although we understand that it can be hard to do some things, such as quitting smoking.”Īccording to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the most effective medication to treat GERD is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI): Knowing how often reflux occurs is another way to confirm a diagnosis, beyond evaluating the symptoms. “We may also put a probe into a patient’s esophagus for a day to measure how frequently reflux happens,” says Dr. You may also have a dry cough or trouble swallowing.ĭiagnosing the condition can usually be done by a primary care doctor (or gastroenterologist) by simply evaluating symptom frequency and severity. But the symptoms are the same as those of acid reflux, such as the burning feeling in your chest and the sensation that your stomach contents are in your throat. That said, it’s not the case that a person who has occasional heartburn will necessarily progress toward having GERD, says Louis Cohen, MD, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. It is estimated that up to 20 percent of the U.S. When Acid Reflux Is Chronic: What Is GERD?Īccording to the American College of Gastroenterology, GERD is acid reflux that occurs two or more times per week. ( Obesity is a factor in the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter.) If you’re overweight or obese, losing some weight can help.“It’s best to not eat in the hours leading up to bedtime,” says Dr. Stay upright after eating a big meal to allow for optimal digestion.Spicy, acidic, and fried or fatty foods are more likely to trigger reflux. Avoid foods that trigger reflux for you. ![]() Your doctor will likely suggest that you try to treat heartburn by making the following lifestyle changes before medication comes into play: You can generally avoid occasional bouts of heartburn with some lifestyle modifications.
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