Instructions for patients with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

GERD is a condition produced by the backflow of digestive acids from the stomach and duodenum into the esophagus. Reflux can cause irritation to the esophageal lining and, consequently, the pain you may know as "heartburn." Other common symptoms are regurgitation (the backflowing of food into the mouth) or frequent and profuse salivation. Additional, less-common symptoms may be chronic cough, weezing, hoarseness, laryngitis, or even chronic ear pain or chest pain

It is very important that you take the following steps in order to reduce the heartburn and/or other symptoms you may have:

1. Eat at least three (3) small, balanced meals a day, and allow at least a three-hour period between eating and lying down.

2. Do not sleep on a water bed.

3. If you are more than 10lbs. overweight, begin a plan to lose weight.

4. At bedtime, elevate the head of the bed six inches on bed blocks or utilize some kind of wedge support for your upper body.

5. Use antacids as  needed. (Magnesium- containing antacids sometimes cause diarrhea. If this happens, ask your pharmacist for an aluminum-based or other antacid.)

6. Stop smoking.

7. Cut down on alcohol.

8. Avoid coffee (including decaffeinated) and tea.

9. Avoid high-fat foods and increase protein-rich foods.

10. Avoid the following: tomato products, citrus juices and fruits, peppers, onions, garlic, peppermint, spearmint, and cinnamon.

11. Avoid chocolate.

The following medications are known to contribute to reflux. If you are taking any of these drugs, consult with your physicians regarding the possibility of decreasing their dosage or eliminating their use.

Theophylline (asthma medicine)

Anticholinergics (a class of drugs that inhibits smooth muscle spasm and that may be given for some stomach cramps)

Sedatives or tranquilizers

Calcium channel blockers (given for heart disease and high blood pressure)

Progesterone compounds (such as birth control pills)

Nitrates (given to relax the coronary arteries in patients with angina)

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