How to Manage this Common Digestive Disorder

It’s no accident that GERD Awareness Week coincides with the Thanksgiving holiday, when many of us are indulging in delicious and abundant food.

A common digestive disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, affects nearly one in five Americans. Caused when the contents of your stomach move up into the esophagus, GERD can lead to symptoms ranging from heartburn and chest pain, regurgitation of food or sour liquid to difficulty swallowing, and chronic coughing. And as unpleasant as all that sounds, there’s more to living with GERD than just being uncomfortable.

Individuals with GERD often face challenges including:

1. Dietary restrictions: Many individuals with GERD must limit or avoid certain foods and beverages.

2. Difficulty sleeping: Nighttime acid reflux can disrupt sleep patterns, leaving individuals tired and irritable during the day.

3. Social challenges: Activities like dining out, attending social events, and traveling can become more complicated due to the dietary and timing considerations necessary to manage GERD.

4. Chronic discomfort: Dealing with persistent symptoms like heartburn and chest pain can lead to chronic discomfort and anxiety.

5. Medication management: Some individuals require ongoing medication to control their symptoms, which can have its own set of challenges.

If left untreated over time, it can lead to damage to the esophagus resulting in esophageal narrowing or to a potentially precancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus. 

While preventing heartburn and GERD entirely may not be possible, there are a few things you can do to lessen the symptoms. Keep these tips in mind as the holiday feasting season draws near:

• After eating, remain upright (sitting or standing) for 45 minutes to an hour.
• Eat small meals (up to six) throughout the day rather than three large meals.
• When you do eat, eat slowly.
• Avoid deep-fried or fatty foods.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Drink a glass of warm water or decaffeinated tea after a meal to dilute and flush out stomach acid.
• Take a walk after eating to help with digestion.
• Wear loose clothing to prevent any squeezing of the stomach.

Finally, if you’re experiencing frequent acid reflux or heartburn, don’t count on antiacids to solve the problem. Frequent, worsening, or persistent symptoms are a sign that it’s time to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Dr. David Furman is a gastroenterologist at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.