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Patients & Consumers Conditions En Español Find an Allergist / Immunologist Just for Kids New Research Parent Resources Pollen Levels Publications Request a Speaker School Tools Seniors The Virtual Allergist™ Treatments Search by Condition (A-Z) Search by Topic Allergy & Asthma Issues Educational Brochures Elements of Allergy and Asthma Order Public Education Materials Allergy Shots Drug Guide Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)		Current Question Browse Archive Search archive: Question of the Week Posted 2/8/2010 How can lifestyle changes make a difference in GERD? GERD is gastroesophageal reflux disease. (Now you know why we call it “GERD”). GERD happens when the acids from your stomach go up into your esophagus. Your stomach is filled with acid to help digest the food you eat. This acid is the same acidity as battery acid! Although your stomach can handle the acid it produces, your esophagus can’t. So when acid backs up into your esophagus, it can cause the burning sensation known as heartburn, a burning pain that rises from the stomach or lower part of the chest towards the head. Some people even describe a sour or bitter taste in their mouth. Another common symptom is difficulty swallowing, also called dysphagia. GERD is a chronic condition and may lead to more serious medical conditions, but it is treatable. Some people who have GERD may not experience any symptoms. Nevertheless, possible complications from GERD suggest it should not be ignored. Without treatment GERD can lead to: •    Barrett's esophagus (a change in the lining of the esophagus that can increase the risk of cancer) •    Bronchospasm (irritation and resulting spasm of airways due to acid) •    Chronic pulmonary disease •    Esophageal ulcer •    Hoarseness •    Inflammation of the esophagus •    Stricture (a narrowing of the esophagus due to scarring from the inflammation) A number of tests may help diagnose reflux or identify complications. Most common is a barium swallow to show reflux or a twenty-four hour esophageal pH monitor. Perhaps just as common is endoscopy looking for ulceration or inflammation of the esophagus, or Barrett's esophagus. There are four common treatment options for GERD. They each do different things. Antacids neutralize stomach acid. Mucosal protective agents protect the lining of the esophagus. Pro-motility agents cause the stomach to empty faster and acid-suppressive agents reduce the amount of acid the stomach makes. There are also lifestyle changes which can make a big difference: •    Avoiding alcohol and tobacco •    Avoiding dietary fat, chocolate, caffeine, peppermint, onions, garlic, citrus juices, and tomato products (which may cause the lower esophagus to loosen up) •    Avoiding lying down after meals •    Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated •    Taking medication with plenty of water •    Weight reduction If lifestyle changes and over the counter medicines aren’t working well enough it’s time to see your doctor.   Answers to the Question of the Week are provided by a AAAAI member physician. The AAAAI cannot answer individual questions relating to the diagnosis or treatment of allergies and asthma. To learn more about allergic disease, visit an allergist/immunologist. To find an allergist/immunologist near you, use the AAAAI's online Physician Referral Directory. Disclaimer: The materials and other information provided by this Web site are for educational, communication and information purposes only and are not intended to replace or constitute medical advice or treatments. Read more.
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