How to Get Rid of Acid Reflux and GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux or GER is also known as acid reflux, when fluids or food from the stomach rise back into the mouth. Whereas gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a more serious form of GER. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC, acid regurgitation or the reflux of digestive juices occurs because the lower esophageal sphincter -- the valve entrance to your stomach -- opens suddenly or does not close properly. To get rid of either acid reflux or GERD, patients must reevaluate their lifestyle or speak to a doctor about possible physical abnormalities.

Things You'll Need

• 6- to 8-inch high wooden blocks
• Loose clothing

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Instructions

• 1

  Eat smaller meals. For some acid reflux and GERD patients, eating large meals causes symptoms such as heartburn and trouble swallowing. Lying down after eating may also cause problems, so snacking before bedtime should be avoided. Be sure to wait 2 to 3 hours after eating before lying down.

• 2

  Raise your head while sleeping, by placing wooden blocks that are 6 to 8 inches high under the bedposts on the end where your head rests. This is a secure way to raise your head, since just adding extra pillows doesn't work as well.

• 3

  Lose weight. According to the NDDIC, obesity may contribute to both acid reflux and GERD. The extra weight causes your body to generally work harder and loosens the lower esophageal sphincter. Also, pregnant women may become susceptible to acid reflux toward the end of the pregnancy, when they have gained extra weight.

• 4

  Quit smoking. According to Web MD, smoking may cause acid reflux because of the relaxing of the lower esophageal sphincter. It may also upset the proper digestion of food.

• 5

  Avoid certain foods and drinks. Spicy and fatty foods are well-known culprits in acid reflux, but other foods -- such as chocolate, tomatoes and and citrus -- also may cause symptoms.

• 6

  Avoid muscle relaxers and drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and blood pressure medications -- which may cause acid reflux and GERD, according to Web MD. These drugs relax the lower esophageal sphincter and cause digestive juices to rise up.

• 7

  Wear loose clothing, especially around the waist area. Choose pants with drawstring or elastic waistbands, and avoid tight shirts and pants. Be sure necklines are loose, too.

• 8

  Choose over-the-counter antacids to relieve heartburn and acid reflux symptoms. They also neutralize acids in the stomach. However, these drugs have side effects such as diarrhea and constipation.

• 9

  Ask your physician to prescribe medicines to combat the acid reflux or GERD, if antacids are not working for you. According to the NDDIC, foaming agents may cover the inside lining of you stomach, H2 blockers reduce stomach acids, proton pump inhibitors are stronger versions of H2 blockers, and prokinetics strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce symptoms.

• 10

  If your doctor advises it, schedule an x-ray procedure to look for hiatal hernia -- an abnormality in the esophagus that causes GERD, according to the NDDIC. You also may need an endoscopy -- a procedure where a tube is inserted into the esophagus, for further hiatal hernia testing.

• 11

  Monitor the pH of your stomach with a small device inserted into the esophagus, if prescribed. Your doctor may monitor the acidity levels of your stomach for 24 to 48 hours, while you keep a food diary.

• 12

  Strengthen your lower esophageal sphincter with surgery, if deemed necessary by your doctor. Per the NDDIC, fundoplication is a type of surgery to repair hiatal hernia by wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter. Another option is surgery to place stitches directly onto the lower esophageal sphincter to toughen the muscle.