Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) / Heartburn / Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is when Heartburn occurs more than twice a week over a period of time. When acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus it erodes the lining causing problems.

Do you have heartburn and are not sure what to do?

• Avoid alcohol, coffee, spicy foods, etc
• Avoid overeating
• Eat small meals
• Lose weight, if overweight
• Wear loose-fitting clothes around the stomach area
• Remaining upright for 3 hours after meals, do go to bed
• Raising the head of the bed 6 to 8 inches by securing wood blocks under the bedposts 

Treatments – these are the different kinds of treatments for heartburn. Each works by a different mechanism. Depending on your situation you would choose one over the other. You doctor can assist you with this decision.

1. Antacids

• Tums, Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids

2.  Histamine (H2) blockers – blocks effects of histamine on parietal cells

• Pepcid
• Tagamet
• Zantac

3. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI’s) – block parietal cells from releasing hydrochloric acid, HCl

• Prevacid
• Prilosec
• Protonix