Managing Chronic Heartburn/GERD

Implement lifestyle modifications to reduce symptoms:

• Elevate the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothes.
• Stop smoking.
• Avoid lying down after eating and try to eat at least 3 hours before bedtime.
• Exercise regularly but avoid exercises that increase abdominal pressure shortly after eating.

Alter your diet to avoid triggers and reduce acid reflux:

• Reduce intake of fatty and fried foods.
• Limit or avoid acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes.
• Decrease consumption of chocolate, caffeine, and peppermint.
• Cut back on spicy foods.
• Reduce alcohol intake.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of larger ones.

Consult with a healthcare provider for the appropriate medication regimen:

• Use over-the-counter antacids for immediate relief.
• Consider H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for longer-term management.
• Follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Report any adverse effects or lack of symptom improvement to your provider.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or if you experience worsening symptoms.

Keep a symptom diary to track triggers and response to treatments, which can be useful information for healthcare appointments.

Schedule regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to review the effectiveness of the management strategy and make any necessary adjustments.