Dietary changes - smaller meals, fewer trigger foods (carbonation, coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, fatty and spicy foods), and lifestyle adjustments - can reduce acid reflux symptoms and often decrease medication needs.
Acid reflux (GERD) occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and sometimes cough or hoarseness. Left untreated it can cause esophagitis, strictures, or Barrett's esophagus. Management ranges from lifestyle changes and medications (H2 blockers, PPIs) to surgery or device procedures for selected patients.
Acid reflux (GERD) results from stomach contents rising into the esophagus. Key causes include LES dysfunction and hiatal hernia, excess acid or bile, delayed stomach emptying, reduced saliva or swallowing, and lifestyle factors. Nighttime reflux worsens because gravity and saliva clearance are reduced.
GERD (acid reflux) occurs when stomach contents irritate the esophagus. Many cases improve with diet and lifestyle changes; medications and procedural options exist for persistent or complicated disease.