It’s a good thing there are so many medicines out there to treat acid reflux, since approximately 60 million Americans suffer from its symptoms. Acid reflux, also known as GERD, or gastro-esophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach acid flows backwards into the esophagus, the structure that connects your stomach to your throat.
Symptoms of reflux can include:
- Heartburn
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Burning in the throat
- Chronic sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Feeling a lump in your throat
Here are some causes of acid reflux:
- An abnormality of the stomach called hiatal hernia
- Overeating
- Being overweight Eating before bedtime
- Pregnancy
- Eating certain foods and/or taking certain medications
- Smoking, and carbonated drinks
There are many medications available to treat GERD, including proton-pump inhibitors H2 blockers, and antacids. Your doctor can suggest which type is best for you based on your symptoms. Here are some lifestyle changes that can make a huge difference in eliminating the painful and uncomfortable symptoms of acid reflux:
- Avoid eating three hours before bedtime
- Do not drink carbonated, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks
- Avoid foods that can irritate your stomach and produce more acid, such as citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, mint, garlic, and spicy and fatty foods
- Quit smoking
- Lose weight if you need to
- Wear loose clothes that don’t squeeze your stomach
- Eat smaller meals
- Raise the head of your bed
- Eat lots of fiber