GERD: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments You Can Try Today

Heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain — those are common signs of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). If acid keeps rising from your stomach into your esophagus, you can get irritation and ongoing discomfort. GERD isn’t just a bad night; left untreated it can cause throat trouble, cough, or damage to the esophagus lining.

Common causes are straightforward: a weak lower esophageal sphincter, obesity, pregnancy, hiatal hernia, smoking, and certain foods. Meals high in fat, chocolate, caffeine, spicy foods, citrus, and alcohol make reflux worse for many people. Medications like ibuprofen and some blood pressure drugs can also relax the sphincter. Knowing your triggers helps you cut down flare-ups fast.

Start with simple changes. Eat smaller meals and don’t lie down for at least two to three hours after eating. Raise the head of your bed by four to six inches to keep gravity on your side. Try losing even five to ten percent of body weight if you’re overweight — that alone helps many people. Quit smoking and limit alcohol to reduce reflux episodes.

Over-the-counter options include antacids for quick relief and H2 blockers like famotidine for short-term symptom control. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) — omeprazole or esomeprazole — are stronger and used when reflux happens regularly. Use PPIs at the lowest effective dose and talk to your doctor before long-term use; they can help heal the esophagus but have potential side effects if used for years.

Don’t ignore alarm signs. Seek care promptly if you have trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. Those could mean severe damage, bleeding, or narrowing of the esophagus. Also see a doctor if symptoms persist despite OTC meds and lifestyle changes; you may need tests like endoscopy or a pH monitoring study.

Some people benefit from physical therapy for chest wall or swallowing problems, or from speech therapy for persistent throat symptoms. Surgery or endoscopic procedures are options when medicines don’t work or when anatomy like a large hiatal hernia is the cause. These procedures reduce reflux by tightening the area at the bottom of the esophagus.

Quick tips you can do right now: stop eating two to three hours before bed, cut late-night snacks, sleep on your left side if reflux wakes you, and track foods that trigger symptoms in a phone note. Keep a list of medicines you take and ask if any could worsen reflux.

If you want specific drug options, dose ideas, or help making a simple plan to try at home, talk to a pharmacist or primary care doctor. Small changes often make a big difference.

When to consider tests or surgery

If daily symptoms stop you from sleeping or working, or your acid medications don't control pain after 8 to 12 weeks, get evaluated. Tests like endoscopy, manometry, or pH capsule monitoring find damage, motility problems, or high acid exposure. If a hiatal hernia or severe reflux shows on tests, surgeon referral for fundoplication or newer endoscopic repairs can be discussed. Ask for clear risks and recovery expectations. Bring a friend to appointments.