Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Gastroesophageal (gas-troh-ee-sof-ah-JEE-al) reflux disease is also called GERD. This disease occurs when the lower muscle of the esophagus does not close properly. The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach. This makes the stomach acid and food in the stomach reflux (back up) into the esophagus. When acid touches and irritates the esophagus, it may cause a burning feeling called heartburn. The muscle in the lower esophagus is called the lower esophageal sphincter.
  
  
• GERD is diagnosed by having an endoscopy, esophageal manometry or pH monitoring, or x-rays of your esophagus and stomach. Treatment may include medicines and surgery. You may also need to make diet and lifestyle changes to cure GERD. Ask your caregiver about these tests and treatments.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

How can I prevent GERD from returning?

• Avoid drinking too much alcohol: Alcohol is found in beer, wine, liquor such as vodka and whiskey, or other adult drinks. Talk to your caregiver if you drink alcohol.
  
  
• Avoid eating large meals frequently: Eating a lot of food at one time increases the amount of acid needed to digest it. Eat six small meals each day instead of three large ones, and eat slowly. Avoid eating for 2 to 3 hours before bedtime as this may also decrease acid reflux.
  
  
• Avoid foods and drinks that may increase heartburn: These include chocolate, peppermint, fried or fatty foods, and caffeine-containing beverages. Caffeine may be found in some coffee, tea, and soda. Foods and beverages that can irritate your esophagus, such as citrus fruits and juices, should also be avoided.
  
  
• Elevate the head of the bed: Place 6-inch blocks under the head of your bed frame. Use one or two pillows under your head and shoulders when sleeping.
  
  
• Keep a healthy weight: Talk to your caregiver about your weight to learn if you weigh too little or too much. If you are overweight, weight loss helps relieve symptoms of GERD.
  
  
• Stop smoking: Cigarette and tobacco smoking weakens the lower esophageal sphincter. Ask your caregiver for help to stop smoking.
  
  
• Take an antacid: These medicines may decrease the acid in the esophagus and stomach and stop heartburn. Some antacids may be bought over-the-counter in a pharmacy or grocery store. Check with your caregiver before trying any of these medicines.

For support and more information: You may feel scared, confused, and anxious because you have GERD. You may blame yourself and think you have done something wrong. These feelings are common. Talk about these feelings with your caregiver or with someone close to you. Contact the following for more information about GERD:

• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
  2 Information Way
  Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
  Phone: 1-800-8915389
  Web Address: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
  

• International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
  P.O. Box 170864
  Milwaukee, WI 53217
  Phone: 1-414-964-1799
  Phone: 1-888-964-2001
  Web Address: http://www.iffgd.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your symptoms are getting worse.
  
  
• Your symptoms do not improve with treatment.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about GERD, your care, or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You feel so full and cannot burp or vomit (throw up)
  
  
• You have severe chest pain and trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• Your bowel movements are black, bloody, or tarry-looking.
  
  
• Your vomit looks like coffee grounds or has blood in it.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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