GERD Basics: What It Is and How It Affects You

GERD, or gastro‑esophageal reflux disease, happens when stomach acid keeps flowing back into the esophagus. That backward flow irritates the lining and can lead to a burning feeling in the chest, a sour taste in the mouth, and sometimes a cough. If you’ve felt this way after meals, you’re likely dealing with GERD.

Most people notice the problem after a heavy or fatty meal, when they lie down soon after eating, or when they drink alcohol or caffeine. The lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that should keep acid down, weakens or relaxes too often, letting the acid slip through.

Common Symptoms You Should Notice

Heartburn is the headline symptom – that hot, uncomfortable pain that rises from the stomach to the throat. You might also get:

• Regurgitation of sour or bitter liquid
• Difficulty swallowing (feeling like food is stuck)
• Chest pain that mimics a heart attack
• Chronic cough, hoarseness, or sore throat

If any of these show up regularly, especially after meals, it’s a good idea to track them and talk to a pharmacist or doctor.

Practical Ways to Tone Down Acid Reflux

Before reaching for medication, try a few lifestyle tweaks. Eating smaller portions, chewing slowly, and avoiding lying down for at least two hours after a meal can cut the reflux episodes in half.

Cut back on trigger foods: citrus, tomato‑based sauces, chocolate, mint, spicy dishes, and carbonated drinks. If you smoke, quitting will also help because nicotine relaxes the sphincter.

Elevating the head of your bed by 6‑8 inches is a simple hack for night‑time symptoms. A wedge pillow works too, and it costs less than a new mattress.

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, over‑the‑counter antacids (like Tums) can neutralize acid quickly, while H2 blockers (such as ranitidine) and proton‑pump inhibitors (like omeprazole) reduce acid production for longer relief. Use them as directed and talk to a healthcare professional if you need them for more than a few weeks.

Don’t ignore warning signs. Persistent pain, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, or a feeling of food getting stuck can mean complications like esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus. Those need a doctor’s eye right away.

Bottom line: GERD is common, but you don’t have to live with constant heartburn. Simple diet adjustments, smart sleep habits, and the right meds can keep the acid where it belongs. Keep a symptom diary, experiment with the tips above, and reach out to a trusted pharmacy or doctor if you’re unsure. You’ll find a routine that lets you enjoy meals without the fiery after‑effects.